Alexis Sanchez injured - how Inter could line-up against Gen

11:00am on Saturday 24th October 2020
By Chris Myson

Already dealing with multiple positive coronavirus tests, Inter have an injury for Alexis Sanchez to cope with when they take on Genoa.

Inter will look to end a run of three games without a win on Saturday, but are not expected to have the Chile International to call upon.

Sanchez was handed a start in Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, only to be forced off at half-time with a thigh problem.

He was replaced in that match by Lautaro Martinez, who should slot back into the team alongside the in-form Romelu Lukaku in attack against Genoa.

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The injury for Sanchez is also set to keep him out of the next Champions League game against Shakhtar, with Achraf Hakimi another absentee for the upcoming matches after he tested positive for COVID-19 just hours before kick-off against Gladbach.

Antonio Conte did welcome back defender Alessandro Bastoni, who came off the bench late on after his own bout with the virus.

The 21-year-old will hope to force his way into the starting XI alongside Stefan De Vrij and one of Aleksandar Kolarov and Danilo D'Ambrosio.

Conte cited a muscular issue for Marcelo Brozovic after the Gladbach game, while Stefano Sensi was also not fit to play, leaving question marks over the availability of both players.

Radja Nainggolan is back in training and will be pushing to be involved, though after the Gladbach game Inter were still waiting for clearance on returns for Ashley Young, Roberto Gagliardini and Milan Skriniar, all of whom recently tested positive.

If there are not many returnees by Saturday, attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen is in the mix to play after Conte praised his efforts in a rare start against Gladbach.

Alternatively, Nicolo Barella could be deployed in a more advanced role after playing in central midfield along with Arturo Vidal last time out.