Inter Milan striker Marko Arnautovic has suffered a strain to his left thigh.
This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews, who confirm the problem that forced the 34-year-old off during the second half of today’s win over Empoli, and anticipate that tests over the coming days will reveal its full extent.
There were few negative aspects to this afternoon for Inter.
The Nerazzurri made it five wins from five in Serie A, recording maximum points in a tricky away match.
But one thing that did mar the match towards the end was the sight of striker Arnautovic coming off with an injury.
The Austrian former West Ham United, Stoke City, and Bologna man had only come on during the second half. He replaced captain Lautaro Martinez just after the seventieth minute.
But Arnautovic was only on the pitch for under twenty minutes before suffering an injury.
The problem occurred when the 34-year-old seem to overextend his left leg a bit whilst challenging for the ball.
Arnautovic immediately showed a grimace of pain and began holding on to his left thigh. The striker immediately exited the pitch, where the Inter team doctor had a look at him.
Inter Striker Marko Arnautovic Suffers Thigh Strain Vs Empoli
FCIN confirm that the problem was a strain in Arnautovic’s left thigh, based on the early inspections.
The Austrian was not able to return to the pitch after picking up the injury. And since Inter coach Simone Inzaghi had already used all five substitutions available when the problem occurred, the Nerazzurri had to see out the match with ten men.
Now the big question will naturally be when Arnautovic can return.
With the Nerazzurri still having two more matches to go in the space of less than a week, and four in total before the October international break, Inzaghi will not want to miss out on one of his four senior strikers for too long.
FCIN report that there will be further tests in the next few days.
These should give a clear sense of when Arnautovic will be able to return to action.
