Inter striker Lautaro Martinez faces an estimated month out after a calf injury, likely reducing Inter’s goal threat. Punters may favour under 2.5 goals in upcoming fixtures, consider backing Marcus Thuram as a replacement scorer, or look at markets that price a steadier Inter without their main striker at San Siro.
Lautaro Martinez sidelined after calf injury in Champions League clash
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez was forced off during the Champions League trip to Bodo/Glimt after suffering a calf problem. The striker limped off midway through the second half after being seen holding his thigh, and the coach described the situation as “serious” in his post-match comments.
Initial medical outlook and expected absence
Initial assessments point to a potential absence of around one month, which would almost certainly rule Martinez out of the upcoming return leg at San Siro and could see him miss Inter’s league fixture against Genoa at the end of February. The club will monitor his recovery with scans and follow-up checks to define a precise timeline.
Squad implications — who steps up?
Martinez has been Inter’s most potent attacking threat this season, leading Serie A with 14 goals. His absence forces a tactical reshuffle and gives other forwards a chance to step up. Marcus Thuram emerges as the likely go-to option to shoulder the goal threat, while the coaching staff may tweak formations to protect the side’s attacking output without their talisman.
Champions League return leg considerations
Without Martinez, Inter must adapt for the home tie against Bodo/Glimt. Expect greater reliance on wide play, set-pieces and Thuram’s physical presence to unsettle defenders. The manager’s substitutions and in-game adjustments will be pivotal in maintaining control over the tie.
Betting implications for punters
Martinez’s absence alters market dynamics: Inter’s outright and goalscorer markets will shift.
Consider these angles:
- Under 2.5 goals could offer value while Inter adjusts offensively.
- Marcus Thuram anytime scorer and shots-on-target markets may become more attractive.
- Short-term increased value on draws or narrow-score wins for Inter in domestic and European fixtures.
Punters should monitor team news and starting line-ups close to kick-off before staking.
What to watch next
Follow updates on Martinez’s scan results and training progress. The speed of recovery and any early signs of recurrence will determine whether his layoff shortens or extends beyond the initial estimate.
Meanwhile, watch how the coach deploys Thuram and other forwards in the immediate fixtures to gauge long-term tactical shifts.
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