Inter defensive crisis deepens as Bisseck suffers muscle injury
Inter Milan's defensive options have been dealt a severe blow with Yann Aurel Bisseck ruled out due to a muscle injury. The German defender suffered a setback to the flexors in his right thigh during training, according to reports from Italy, and will miss the upcoming Serie A match against Roma. His availability for the subsequent fixture against Como is also in serious doubt.
This injury compounds a significant selection crisis for coach Cristian Chivu. The squad is already set to be without Carlos Augusto for the Roma clash due to suspension. Furthermore, key defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly in less-than-ideal condition, both physically and psychologically, but will be forced to play out of necessity due to the lack of available alternatives.
The situation leaves Chivu with only three fit senior central defenders for a crucial period in the title race. Inter's form has dipped recently with one defeat and two draws in their last three league matches, making defensive stability paramount. The absence of Bisseck, who had been in excellent form and was considered a mainstay, is a particular blow given his recent performances.
In response, Chivu is likely to reconfigure his backline. The most probable solution, as outlined by Italian media, involves shifting Manuel Akanji from the center of defense to the right to cover for Bisseck. Bastoni would then start on the left-center, with veteran Francesco Acerbi favored to come into the middle of the three-man defense. Stefan de Vrij would provide the only experienced cover from the bench.
This leaves Inter dangerously short of defensive depth on the bench for a high-stakes match. In the event of an in-game injury or tactical change, Chivu may be forced to adapt a full-back such as Matteo Darmian or Federico Dimarco into a central role. The timing of this crisis is far from ideal, with Inter needing a positive result against Roma while hoping rivals Milan and Napoli drop points in their head-to-head clash.
The injury is expected to keep Bisseck sidelined until at least the match against Cagliari later this month, extending Inter's defensive worries. The club will hope for a swift recovery for the 25-year-old, who has become an important figure since joining from FC Köln in 2023. For now, Chivu must navigate a critical fixture with a severely depleted rearguard.
