Skriniar and Calhanoglu are major doubts for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica. It will be a major blow for the Nerazzurri as both of them play an important role in Inzaghi’s setup. It is a big moment for the Nerazzurri as they will be playing the quarter-finals of the Champions League after more than twelve years. So the club would want to put their best foot forward, so Calhanoglu and Skriniar’s absence will limit Inzaghi’s options.
The Turkish midfielder is still recovering from his thigh strain that he got against Croatia in the Euro Qualifiers. He could recover in time, but the former AC Milan midfielder might not be in proper condition for the big game. While Skriniar is still struggling with his back injury, and has been out for several games now.
Skriniar and Calhanoglu in doubts for the UCL clash against Benfica
Inter have been adapting to Skriniar and Calhanoglu’s absence as they have been out for a while. But they miss the quality of Calhanoglu in the midfield. It has been evident in recent games that Inter lack creativity in the attack, and are struggling to create chances in the absence of Calhangolu. Inter have now gone 487 minutes without scoring a goal from open play. Moreover, Calhanoglu’s abilities on the dead ball gives Inter an edge from set-pieces.
Benfica are considered as the dark horse of the Champions League this season. The Portuguese side are in brilliant form, and Inter will have to play their best football to go forward. Goncalo Ramos is in excellent goal-scoring form, especially in the Champions League. So Inter will need a solid performance from their defense to stop the Portuguese striker. Skriniar would have given a sense of security in the backline, and Inzaghi will have to drill his defense well.
