Inter returned to work with a reduced group, but the first days of the international break have brought Cristian Chivu a more encouraging picture ahead of the season’s first demanding October run.
Twelve players are away on national-team duty, yet the players based at Appiano Gentile offered several positive signals. Djed Spence completed training with the squad, while Hakan Calhanoglu and Federico Dimarco are moving towards availability for the return of Serie A on 10 October. John Stones remains the one notable concern, although Chivu still has depth across his defensive options.
Inter’s recovery timetable takes shape
- Inter resumed training on Monday after time off granted to the players remaining in Milan during the break.
- Spence joined the full group, a significant step for the Englishman after he had yet to play a competitive minute for the club.
- Calhanoglu continued an individual programme, but his recovery is further advanced than Stones’ and he is expected to be available when league action resumes.
- Dimarco trained partly with his team-mates as Inter carefully manage his return from a knee issue.
- Stones also worked separately after the muscular discomfort he picked up against Udinese, making his presence for Parma v Inter less certain.
Calhanoglu set to resume his central role
Calhanoglu missed Inter’s last two league fixtures because of a problem in his right adductor. The Turkish midfielder is considered a key reference point for Chivu when fit, and the expectation is that he will be ready to take up his midfield responsibilities again on 10 October.
His return matters beyond one selection decision. With a packed calendar beginning immediately after the break, Inter will need the rhythm and authority Calhanoglu provides in the centre of the side.
Dimarco’s return being handled without haste
Dimarco became Inter’s latest fitness concern after the international break had already begun. He initially reported to Italy’s training camp at Coverciano following a call-up from Roberto Mancini, but returned to Milan after an agreement between the national side and Inter’s medical staff.
The knee problem had not fully cleared, so neither club nor country wanted to take unnecessary risks. Dimarco was already present at Appiano Gentile on several days last week, while the rest of Chivu’s available players were off, and he has now begun a controlled return to collective work.
There is no suggestion of forcing the wing-back’s recovery. Inter expect him to regain full fitness gradually, with the priority being to have him in the right physical condition for the matches ahead.
Stones remains the outstanding doubt
Stones is slightly behind the other injured players. The defender has been limited by the muscle issue suffered in the Udinese match and may not be ready in time for the trip to Parma.
Inter, however, are not short of alternatives in the heart of defence. Manuel Akanji is available, with Benjamin Pavard or Yann Bisseck able to operate on the right and Alessandro Bastoni on the left. Chivu can therefore afford patience with Stones rather than rushing him back into the schedule.
Spence prepares to enter the season
For one English defender, caution remains the watchword; for another, the wait appears close to ending. Spence has finally returned to full training and is approaching his Inter debut.
The 10 October restart is the target, and a first appearance at San Siro from the opening minute would carry particular significance. Inter face seven games in 21 days during October, a sequence that should create opportunities for rotation and make Spence’s readiness important.
On the right, Chivu has also used Andy Diouf, but the Frenchman cannot be expected to cover every fixture alone. Spence’s recovery changes the balance in that area, particularly given the scale of Inter’s commitment: the club invested €35 million including bonuses in the London-born player.
Inter enter the next chapter of their league campaign with one uncertainty around Stones, but with several established figures returning and Spence finally ready to compete for his place. For Chivu, that is a timely improvement before October begins to test the depth of his squad.
