Inter Face Goalkeeping Woes as Sommer Suffers Thumb Fracture
Inter Milan’s latest setback comes in the form of an injury to their starting goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, who fractured his right thumb during a training session. The club has announced that Sommer will undergo further medical tests in the coming days to determine the most effective rehabilitation plan. Currently, the Swiss international is expected to be out for about a month, according to reports from Sky. This injury is a significant blow to the Nerazzurri, who are currently at the top of the Serie A table and preparing for a crucial match against Napoli, a fellow title contender.
Sommer’s Potential Return and Missed Fixtures
Given the timeline, Somerset could potentially return for the match against Atalanta on March 16th, a game that will be crucial for Inter’s league aspirations. However, his absence will mean he misses several important fixtures in the coming weeks, including matches against Genoa, Lazio, and the highly anticipated clash with Napoli in Serie A. Additionally, he will also sit out the Coppa Italia match against the Partenopei and the Serie A encounter against Monza. In the European arena, Sommer will be unavailable for the first leg of the next Champions League round, which could be against either PSV or Feyenoord, depending on the upcoming draw. His availability for the second leg will be assessed closer to the time.
Sommer’s Consistent Performance and Dedication
Yann Sommer has been a stalwart for Inter Milan, consistently performing well under intense pressure. Despite his age, which is a concern in the high-stress position of a goalkeeper, Sommer has managed to hold the fort admirably. He has started in every game for Inter this season, a testament to his reliability and the trust placed in him by coach Simone Inzaghi. Sommer has conceded 28 goals and kept 19 clean sheets in 35 appearances, a record that underscores his importance to the team. His consistent presence has been a key factor in Inter’s strong defensive record and their current position at the top of the league.
Martinez Steps Up in Sommer’s Absence
In Sommer’s absence, the responsibility of manning the goal will fall to Josep Martinez, a Spaniard who was signed by Inter last summer for €13.5 million. Martinez has only made one appearance for Inter so far, a 2-0 victory over Udinese in the Coppa Italia in mid-December. This will be his Serie A debut as a Nerazzurri player, and it comes against his former team, Genoa. Martinez has 68 appearances for Carpi (known as the Grifone) under his belt, along with stints at RB Leipzig and Las Palmas earlier in his career. While he may not be as experienced as Sommer, Martinez has demonstrated his capabilities and will need to step up to the challenge.
Backup Goalkeeper Calligaris and Team Dynamics
Alessandro Calligaris, another experienced goalkeeper, will serve as the backup to Martinez during Sommer’s recovery. Calligaris has been a reliable presence in the squad and brings a wealth of experience from various Serie A and Serie B clubs. The absence of third-string goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro, who is currently injured, means Calligaris will have to be ready to step in if needed. The goalkeeping situation adds another layer of complexity to Inter’s preparations, and the team’s cohesion and resilience will be tested as they adapt to the new dynamic.
The Impact of Sommer’s Injury on Inter’s Season
The irony of both top teams in Serie A having to play without their key players is not lost on anyone, but for Inter, the absence of Sommer is particularly concerning. Coach Simone Inzaghi’s decision to not give more chances to Martinez is a point of contention, as the Spaniard could have benefited from more playing time to stay sharp. Now, with Sommer out, the team will need to trust Martinez to perform at his best. Inter’s fans and management can only hope that Martinez is not rusty and can fill the void left by Sommer. The coming weeks will be a true test of the depth and adaptability of the Nerazzurri squad.
