Calhanoglu's injury puts Inter's Roma showdown in doubt after Udinese defeat

Hakan Calhanoglu was omitted from Cristian Chivu’s matchday squad for Inter’s 5‑3 comeback win over Udinese on Monday evening, and Tuesday reports say he faces a high risk of missing the top‑of‑the‑table clash with Roma this Saturday.

Inter’s dramatic comeback over Udinese

Inter trailed 2‑0 after the first sixteen minutes but surged back, with goals from Carlos Augusto, Nicolo Barella, Marcus Thuram, Pio Esposito and Ange‑Yoan Bonny securing a 5‑3 victory at the San Siro. The win kept the Nerazzurri’s 100 percent record intact. The match also saw Inter’s midfield trio of Barella, Piotr Zielinski and Henrikh Mkhitaryan start, while Curtis Jones and Aleksandar Stankovic entered from the bench.

Injury doubts loom over upcoming Roma clash

Calhanoglu’s exclusion was attributed to adductor fatigue, and further medical assessments are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The club warned that his condition makes him a strong doubt for the Saturday game at the Stadio Olimpico, set for 17.00 BST.

John Stones also left the Udinese match in the 62nd minute with a left‑thigh flexor strain and is expected to miss the Roma encounter, though a return after the international break is anticipated. Both injuries tighten Inter’s midfield options ahead of a decisive title battle.

Inter count on Calha's return as Serie A restarts on Saturday

The forthcoming fixture pits Inter against Roma, the only two sides still unbeaten in the 2026‑27 Serie A season. A win for either side could reshape the championship race, making player availability crucial.

Calhanoglu has recorded 28 injury‑related absences in less than two years, a factor that will influence his contract renewal discussions, as his deal expires in June. Director Baccin and the club have already begun talks on a new agreement.

Inter’s title hopes now hinge on the fitness of key figures such as Calhanoglu and Stones. Their potential absence adds uncertainty to a campaign that has so far been defined by relentless winning runs.