Hakan Calhanoglu has suffered another muscular injury, casting significant doubt on his availability for Inter Milan's Coppa Italia final against Lazio on May 13. The Turkish midfielder sustained a problem to the soleus muscle in his left leg, according to reports from Italian media, and will miss this weekend's Serie A match against Parma. This latest setback marks a continuation of a season disrupted by physical issues for the 30-year-old playmaker.
Calhanoglu was already absent for Inter's 2-2 draw with Torino on Friday, with assistant coach Cristian Chivu confirming the player "was not well." The soleus injury, a muscle located in the calf, now threatens his participation in the upcoming cup final in Rome. This season, Calhanoglu has already missed 13 matches across all competitions due to various physical problems, as noted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The timing of the injury is a considerable blow for Simone Inzaghi's side, which is on the cusp of securing the Serie A title and has a major cup final on the horizon. Calhanoglu has been a pivotal figure in Inter's midfield this campaign, operating primarily in a deep-lying playmaker role. His absence from the lineup against Parma, where Inter could mathematically clinch the Scudetto, will force a tactical reshuffle.
His potential unavailability for the Coppa Italia final presents an even greater challenge. Calhanoglu's ability to dictate tempo and his expertise from set-pieces are considered key assets in high-stakes matches. Inter will now be forced to evaluate alternative options in the engine room, with players like Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Davide Frattesi likely to see increased responsibility.
The club's medical staff will monitor Calhanoglu's recovery closely over the coming weeks, hoping he can regain fitness in time for the season's climax. For the player, this represents another frustrating interruption in a personally successful season where his performances have been widely praised. His fitness will be a primary concern for Inter as they aim to complete a domestic double.
