Chivu: ‘Thuram illness is a new problem’ for Inter ahead of derby

Cristian Chivu reveals new concerns for Inter ahead of tomorrow’s Derby della Madonnina with Milan, as Marcus Thuram ‘did not train today’ because of illness.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

The Nerazzurri were already forced to do without captain and Capocannoniere Lautaro Martinez, who has been out of action since suffering a calf strain during the first leg of their Champions League play-off with Bodo/Glimt last month.

Chivu struggling with Thuram fitness

Now Thuram is a doubt to start in attack too for one of the biggest matches of the season, as revealed by Chivu in his press conference this afternoon.

“The lads are doing pretty well, they trained well after the Coppa Italia game with Como,” said the coach.

“We had a few problems today with Marcus, who has a fever and did not manage to do the training session. We can only hope that tomorrow he will be at 100 per cent and at our disposal.”

There is a boost with the return of Hakan Calhanoglu, who on Tuesday in the 0-0 Coppa Italia semi-final draw against Como had his first start in six weeks.

“Calhanoglu is fine, he is at our disposal tomorrow. Playing an hour in Como helped him, and we’ll see for tomorrow.”

Ange-Yoan Bonny had missed the previous Serie A round due to a muscular issue, but he returned as a substitute against Como.

Francesco Pio Esposito therefore seems the only guaranteed starter in attack for Inter.