Inter enter Rome clash with key absences

Inter face a major blow ahead of their upcoming clash against AS Roma, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu and John Stones both ruled out of the match scheduled for this evening, as part of the fifth round of Serie A.

Inter have revealed that the medical tests undergone by Hakan Çalhanoğlu showed he has suffered a muscle strain in his right thigh, and his condition will be monitored over the coming days, which has led to his absence from the clash at the Olimpico.

In contrast, tests undergone by John Stones revealed a muscle strain in his left thigh, which he sustained during the recent match against Udinese. Sky Sports estimates that the English defender will be sidelined for between 3 and 4 weeks, aiming for a return after the international break.

The absence of the duo poses an additional challenge for coach Cristian Kivu ahead of the clash between AS Roma and Inter, as both teams have secured a perfect score in the first four rounds with 12 points each, in a matchup between the teams in first and second place before the international break.