- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 7 May, 2025
Calhanoglu and Acerbi Bolster Inter Milan Squad for Bologna Face-Off
Inter Milan can finally breathe a little easier. After a spell of worrying injuries that thinned their squad, Hakan Calhanoglu and veteran defender Francesco Acerbi are set to make their comeback just in time for a crucial Serie A showdown with Bologna. Their names have been conspicuously absent from recent matchday lineups, but now, fans can expect both to return to Simone Inzaghi’s squad for the weekend fixture.
The Turkish midfielder, Calhanoglu, has been a creative engine for the Nerazzurri all season, so his presence in the starting eleven could give Inter the spark they've been lacking in recent games. Serie A observers know how much Inter relies on Calhanoglu's set-piece quality and ability to dictate play from deep midfield positions. Meanwhile, Acerbi’s experience at the back provides much-needed leadership. He might not walk straight into the starting lineup, but his availability gives Inzaghi tactical options either as a late substitute or fresh legs if the defense comes under pressure.
Even with these two sets of good news, Inter’s list of injuries is far from cleared up. Armenian playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan is still out of action. The club isn’t offering much hope for a swift return either—medical staff haven’t set a specific comeback date yet, leaving a creative gap in midfield for the foreseeable future. It’s a headache Inzaghi can do without, especially with big matches stacking up on the calendar.
Recovery Timelines Remain Uncertain for Key Absentees
The damage doesn’t stop there. Yann Bisseck, another defensive option, is still unavailable after missing time with his own injury concerns. The young defender is reportedly targeting a return in Inter’s clash with Lecce later this month, but until then, defensive versatility remains a question mark. Fans won’t be seeing forward Joaquin Correa in the squad just yet; his injury should keep him out until the end of the week, minimum. That’s a blow to Inter’s attacking rotations, making it harder for the frontline to stay fresh.
As if that wasn’t enough, third-choice goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro—recovering from hand surgery—isn’t expected back any time soon. While he’s not a frequent starter, Inter knows how injuries can snowball at this stage of the season, so every bit of depth matters as fixtures pile up.
The injury challenges aren’t just an excuse—they’re a reality that Inter has been juggling in recent matches, including the tense meeting with Venezia, where their thin squad tested Inzaghi’s tactical flexibility. The returns of Calhanoglu and Acerbi are big positives. Still, when squad depth is stretched, one or two fresh faces may not be enough to handle the pressure of crucial games coming thick and fast in Serie A and beyond.
This series of setbacks and comebacks keeps the entire Inter fanbase on edge. The revolving door of players in and out of the recovery room adds constant unpredictability, especially with the season’s decisive weeks approaching. Gazzetta dello Sport, through FCInterNews, has kept a close eye on these updates, reflecting the anxiety and anticipation around Inter’s training ground as the Nerazzurri battle on multiple fronts.