Revealed: When Talismanic Inter Milan Midfield Duo Are Expected To Return From Injury

Inter Milan head into tonight’s clash with Cremonese still short in midfield, as both Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu remain unavailable.

Head Coach Cristian Chivu must once again reshuffle his options in the centre of the pitch.

According to Tuttosport, via FCInter1908, the two starters also trained separately yesterday.

Calhanoglu is targeting a return for the away match against Sassuolo, potentially from the bench, in order to build fitness ahead of the showdown with Juventus.

Barella, meanwhile, has set his sights on the Derby d’Italia at San Siro as his comeback date.

Barella & Calhanoglu Return Soon For Inter Milan

MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 06: Hakan Calhanoglu of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 06, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Their absences leave Inter short of their usual balance and control in midfield, forcing Chivu to rely on rotation and squad depth.

Davide Frattesi is available despite transfer rumours linking him with a move to Nottingham Forest.

Elsewhere, Denzel Dumfries also remains sidelined. The Dutch wing-back could return to full fitness in around three weeks.

Carlos Augusto has not travelled either, with the Brazilian left to rest after a demanding run of fixtures.

Barella and Calhanoglu remain key reference points for the team, and their staggered returns should provide a timely boost as the schedule intensifies.