Inter Hit Hard as Denzel Dumfries’ Ankle Injury Worsens

Inter’s hopes for the season have taken a significant blow as Denzel Dumfries’ ankle injury proves more severe than originally feared. The Netherlands international’s absence leaves coach Christian Chivu facing new challenges at a crucial point in the campaign, especially after Inter’s recent 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in Serie A.

Denzel Dumfries Injury: A Severe Setback for Inter

Denzel Dumfries sustained his ankle injury while playing against Lazio on November 10, just before the international break. Although he started the match, Dumfries had to be substituted after 56 minutes. Despite joining up with the Netherlands national team, the injury kept him out of their European qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania, fixtures that saw Oranje secure a World Cup berth without his contribution.

Upon his return to Italy, the situation worsened. Dumfries was absent from the high-stakes Derby della Madonnina against AC Milan, a match Inter lost narrowly thanks to Christian Pulisic’s lone goal. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, medical assessments reveal that Dumfries’ recovery could extend to late December, forcing him to miss a string of vital fixtures.

Upcoming Fixtures Without Dumfries

Inter are now bracing for a period without their dynamic right-wing-back. Dumfries’ absence means he will likely miss Serie A clashes with Pisa and Como, alongside crucial Champions League group games against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Both his defensive prowess and attacking contributions—highlighted by his goal against Udinese early in the Serie A season—will be sorely missed.

Chivu Faces Tactical Dilemma

Coach Chivu must find a solution in Dumfries’ absence. Against Milan, he deployed the left-footed Carlos Augusto out of position on the right, benching natural right-sided option Luis Henrique. This experiment, which has occurred three times this season, has not yielded optimal results, as evidenced by Inter’s defeat. Looking ahead, Chivu may consider starting Henrique for a more balanced right flank.

Champions League Ambitions Hang in the Balance

With Dumfries sidelined, Inter’s Champions League campaign faces added uncertainty. The Nerazzurri travel to Spain for a midweek showdown against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, a match critical for topping their group. Inter are currently level on points with European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Arsenal, but trail on goal difference.

Given the tight schedule and the importance of each remaining fixture, the loss of a player of Dumfries’ caliber could prove telling. His energy and drive on the right wing have been a hallmark of Inter’s strategy this season, both in domestic and European competitions.

Inter Squad Depth to Be Tested

The coming weeks will test the depth of Inter’s squad more than ever. Players like Carlos Augusto and Luis Henrique will need to step up, and Chivu must find fresh tactical solutions to compensate for Dumfries’ absence. Every point gained or lost could be decisive as the season reaches its critical phase.

Looking Ahead for Inter and Dumfries

The medical team will continue to monitor Dumfries’ rehabilitation, but expectations are that he won’t return until after the winter break. This will not only affect Inter’s push in Serie A, but also their quest for Champions League glory.

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Opinion: Inter’s Road Just Got Harder

Losing Denzel Dumfries for an extended period is a huge blow to Inter’s ambitions this season. His unique blend of pace, strength, and tactical intelligence has made him essential. Chivu’s adaptability as a coach will be severely tested, and how Inter navigates this crisis could define their season.