Medical tests reveal a minor psoas muscle issue for the Inter midfielder, who will miss several matches but is expected back in mid-February.
Inter have confirmed that Nicolò Barella will be sidelined for approximately two weeks following a muscle issue picked up in recent days. The club released an official statement on Tuesday detailing the results of the medical examinations the midfielder underwent at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano.
“Nicolò Barella underwent clinical and instrumental tests this morning,” the statement read. “The Inter midfielder has a mild strain of the psoas muscle in his right thigh. His condition will be evaluated on a day-by-day basis.”
While the diagnosis is not considered serious, Barella will be unavailable for several upcoming fixtures. He has not been called up for Inter’s match against Borussia Dortmund and will also miss Sunday’s Serie A clash with Cremonese, as well as the Coppa Italia tie against Torino. A return in time for the away match against Sassuolo in Reggio Emilia appears unlikely.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu and his staff are instead aiming to have Barella fully fit for the highly anticipated showdown against Juventus in mid-February. The priority is to avoid any risk of aggravating the injury, ensuring the midfielder returns at full strength for the decisive phase of the season.
For Inter, Barella’s absence will be felt in both domestic and European competitions, given his importance in midfield in terms of intensity, leadership, and tactical balance. However, the Nerazzurri remain optimistic that the setback will be short-lived and that one of their key players will soon be back at Chivu’s disposal.
