Federico Dimarco Returns to Training Ahead of Champions League

Federico Dimarco stepped back onto the training pitch with Inter this morning, but all eyes were on his right knee.

The Italy international worked with the rest of the squad on the eve of Inter’s Champions League opener against Real Madrid, yet did so with the joint heavily strapped after the knock he picked up against Napoli at the weekend.

Dimarco had been forced off during Inter’s 3-2 win over Napoli on Saturday, diagnosed with a mild knee sprain that immediately raised doubts over his availability for Madrid. The bandage in training underlined that concern: he is back with the group, but clearly not at 100%.

Inter are due to fly to Spain this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s clash at the Bernabéu, still unsure whether one of their key left-sided players will make the travelling squad. The club has not confirmed if Dimarco will be called up, leaving a degree of tension hanging over Cristian Chivu’s plans.

The coach is expected to clarify the situation later today in Madrid, when he faces the media and delivers the latest on Dimarco’s condition and his options down the flank.

On the brink of a new Champions League campaign, Inter now wait to see if one of their main weapons can join them on the plane.