Inter Milan plan cautious return for injured captain Lautaro Martinez

Inter Milan are managing the return of captain Lautaro Martinez with extreme caution, with the striker undertaking extra training sessions as he recovers from a calf injury. According to reports from Italy, the club's primary focus is ensuring the Argentine forward is fully fit before he steps back onto the pitch, despite the imminent chance to secure the Serie A title.

Martinez, alongside teammates Alessandro Bastoni and Stefan De Vrij, has been working individually at the club's Appiano Gentile training ground during the squad's days off. The plan is described as both surgical and romantic, prioritizing long-term fitness over a rushed comeback. The club sees little chance of him featuring in Sunday's league match against Torino, regardless of whether a win could mathematically seal the Scudetto.

The most probable target for Martinez's return is now the home fixture against Parma on May 3rd. Even then, he is expected to be reintroduced gradually rather than starting a full match. The club is determined to avoid any risk of a setback that could impact the end of Inter's season or Martinez's participation in the upcoming Copa America with Argentina, where he will defend the title won in 2021.

This injury is the second calf issue Martinez has faced this season. He previously returned from a similar problem in February against Roma, marking the occasion with a decisive brace. His form this campaign has been exceptional, with 23 goals across all competitions. In Serie A alone, he has scored 16 times, contributing significantly to Inter's commanding league position.

The situation underscores Inter's calculated approach during a successful season. With a Coppa Italia final also on the horizon and a second star within touching distance, the club can afford to be patient with its star forward. For Martinez, the priority is being fully fit to potentially celebrate a domestic double with his teammates before joining Lionel Scaloni's national squad for international duty this summer.