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Inter Milan veteran defender Francesco Acerbi will miss the rest of 2025 after suffering a muscle injury during Tuesday’s Champions League match against Liverpool, with the 37-year-old centre-back expected to remain sidelined until the start of 2026 according to medical assessments.
Francesco Acerbi Sidelined Until 2026 After Muscle Injury Against Liverpool
Muscle pain forced Acerbi off the pitch midway through the first half against Liverpool, with early prognosis indicating the former Lazio star will stay on the sidelines for approximately one month. The injury rules out the Italian international for Sunday’s Serie A match against Genoa, with manager Cristian Chivu unable to call upon his experienced defender for the crucial fixture.
Acerbi will also miss Inter Milan’s upcoming Supercoppa Italiana clash against Bologna, depriving the Nerazzurri of a key defensive presence during the prestigious tournament. The veteran centre-back’s absence represents a significant blow given his experience and leadership qualities within the squad throughout the current campaign.
German defender Yann Bisseck is expected to return to the starting lineup following Acerbi’s injury, having replaced his senior teammate during the Liverpool match. Bisseck received the nod ahead of Stefan de Vrij when Acerbi was forced off, suggesting he will be favoured to fill the void during the Italian’s rehabilitation period.
Inter Milan also face concerns over midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who picked up a minor muscle problem during the same Champions League fixture against Liverpool. The Turkish international’s fitness will be assessed ahead of the weekend’s Serie A encounter, with the club monitoring both players’ recovery progress closely.
