As the Serie A season heats up, Inter Milan is poised for a crucial stretch of matches, with the potential return of star wingback Denzel Dumfries on the horizon. After a challenging period sidelined by injury, Dumfries is set to make his comeback, potentially impacting the team’s performance in their upcoming fixtures against AS Roma and Barcelona.
According to the latest reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Dumfries has been recovering from a thigh injury sustained during a match against Atalanta just before the international break. His absence has been felt, as he missed several key matches including those against Udinese, Parma, and Cagliari in Serie A, as well as the Coppa Italia semifinal first leg against AC Milan and both legs against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Despite his absence, the Dutchman’s return is now on the horizon. As per the latest updates, Dumfries will not be available for the upcoming clash against Bologna this weekend, scheduled for April 20, 2025, nor will he participate in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal against AC Milan on April 23, 2025. However, there is optimism that he could be ready to face Roma in Serie A the following weekend, around April 26-27, 2025, or possibly for the first leg of the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona on April 30, 2025.
In contrast, his teammate Piotr Zielinski is still recovering and is expected to take at least a week longer to return to full fitness compared to Dumfries. This news adds another layer of complexity to Inter's preparations as they aim to maintain momentum in their title chase.
Following their triumphant qualification for the Champions League semifinals, Inter Milan returned to training at the Bper Training Centre, where they held a morning session under the watchful eye of coach Simone Inzaghi. The team is gearing up for their Easter match against Bologna, which will take place at the Stadio Dall'Ara. The match is crucial, especially considering Bologna's challenging history against the Nerazzurri in recent years.
Inzaghi's squad is expected to make tactical adjustments for the match against Bologna while also keeping an eye on the upcoming semifinal against AC Milan. The players who participated in the intense match against Bayern Munich were given a lighter session, while those who came off the bench engaged in more rigorous training to ensure they are match-ready.
In terms of lineup changes, there are discussions about the potential inclusion of Marko Arnautovic in the attack against Bologna. The former Inter player could partner with either Lautaro Martinez or Marcus Thuram, as the team looks to optimize its attacking options. With Dumfries working his way back to fitness, the coaching staff is considering how best to integrate him into the squad as they navigate this busy period.
The atmosphere at the training facility has been described as vibrant, reflecting the excitement following their recent success. Players are aware of the importance of maintaining their physical condition as they prepare for back-to-back high-stakes matches.
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on how Inter performs against Bologna. The match not only serves as a crucial three points in the league but also as a litmus test for the squad's depth and resilience ahead of their semifinal clashes. The return of Dumfries could provide a significant boost, adding to the team's defensive solidity and attacking flair.
While Dumfries is on track for a return, the coaching staff is keen to ensure he is fully fit before reintroducing him to the lineup. The decision to hold him back for another week if necessary reflects the club’s cautious approach to injury management, especially with such pivotal matches on the horizon.
In conclusion, the upcoming fixtures for Inter Milan are set to be pivotal in determining their season's trajectory. With the potential return of Denzel Dumfries and the ongoing recovery of Piotr Zielinski, the team is looking to capitalize on their recent successes and push forward in both Serie A and the Champions League.
