Calf issue forces the Turkish midfielder off late against Napoli, tests scheduled for Tuesday
Inter are waiting anxiously for medical clarity on Hakan Calhanoglu, who was forced to leave the pitch in the 87th minute of the clash against Napoli after feeling discomfort in his calf.
The Turkish playmaker immediately asked to be substituted, raising concern on the bench and among the medical staff. While there was no immediate diagnosis after the match, caution is the dominant feeling inside the club, given the delicate nature of the muscle involved.
Medical tests on Tuesday
Calhanoglu will undergo full clinical tests on Tuesday, January 13, which will determine the extent of the injury and the recovery timeline. At this stage, Inter are avoiding premature conclusions, aware that calf issues can vary significantly in severity and carry a high risk if mismanaged.
The priority is to understand whether the problem is a simple muscular overload or something more serious that could require rest.
Lecce match in doubt
The timing is tight. Inter are scheduled to face Lecce on Wednesday, January 14, in the rescheduled Matchday 16 fixture. Calhanoglu’s availability for that game is now in serious doubt, with the medical verdict expected to be decisive.
Simone Inzaghi’s staff will wait for the results before making any call, but the risk of forcing a return so quickly is considered too high, especially with a congested calendar ahead.
Inter choose caution
Inside Appiano Gentile the watchword is prudence. Calhanoglu is a cornerstone of Inter’s midfield, and the club is determined not to compromise his condition for a single match.
Everything now hinges on Tuesday’s tests. Only then will Inter know whether this was a minor scare — or the start of a more complicated spell on the sidelines.
