Marotta: ‘Inter regret Lautaro Martinez injury, but he’ll return soon’

Inter President Beppe Marotta is confident Lautaro Martinez will ‘recover earlier than expected’ from a muscular strain, but demands focus against Lecce today.

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Juventus vs. Como and Cagliari vs. Lazio on the Liveblog.

The last few days have been somewhat mixed for the Nerazzurri, as there was good news with their lead at the top of the Serie A table extended to seven points.

However, they lost 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League play-off and will be without captain Lautaro Martinez for a month following a soleus strain.

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“We must all learn to adapt to the fixture list and certain types of playing surfaces,” Marotta told DAZN Italia.

“It certainly wasn’t a wonderful pitch, but the logic of many clubs participating in these tournaments means we have to play in these conditions.

“We have no comment other than to express regret at Lautaro’s injury, but it is certainly not an alibi that it was tough to play on a synthetic surface.

“Lautaro is our captain and he is sad not to be here, but he has been passing on his passion and motivation to the squad. We hope he can recover as quickly as possible, but we also need to be cautious, because it is a serious muscular problem.

“I am sure that he is such a tenacious figure, Lautaro will be able to return earlier than expected.”

There are more changes forced today, as Hakan Calhanoglu and Nicolò Barella are both suspended, so Davide Frattesi gets a rare start in midfield.

“Determination is essential in these matches, as Lecce are not a walk in the park, especially as they are in good shape recently, and we are missing key players, but those who are here will give their all,” insisted the Inter President.

“From tomorrow, Cristian Chivu and the players will start to think about Tuesday’s game.”

Inter have also been at the centre of controversy in the last week, following Alessandro Bastoni’s simulation and the controversial Pierre Kalulu red card in their 3-2 win over Juventus.