Handanović likely to miss Milan derby with fractured finger
MILAN (AP) — Inter Milan goalkeeper Samir Handanović has a fractured finger in his left hand and is likely to miss crucial matches for the Nerazzurri, including the derby against AC Milan.
Inter said Monday the 35-year-old Slovenian injured his hand in training and X-rays “showed a hairline fracture to his little finger.” He did not play in Sunday’s 2-0 win at Udinese.
According to Inter, “his condition will be reassessed on a daily basis,” but reports said Handanović will be sidelined for three to four weeks.
Handanović is almost certain to miss Sunday’s derby, as well as the following weekend’s Serie A match at title rival Lazio. He is also likely to miss the first leg of the Italian Cup semifinal against Napoli.
Handanović could also miss Inter’s Europa League match at Ludogorets on Feb. 20.
Inter will hope to have the goalkeeper back for the league match at Juventus on March 1.
Inter is second in the Serie A standings, three points behind Juventus and two ahead of Lazio, which has a game in hand. The Nerazzurri have the best defensive record in the league, having conceded 18 goals in 22 matches.
Reserve goalkeeper Tommaso Berni, who is yet to make an appearance in six years with Inter, is suspended for the derby. He also couldn't play against Udinese after being shown a red card following the match against Cagliari for his behavior towards the referee, who had sent off Inter forward Lautaro Martínez.
Daniele Padelli played on Sunday, making his first Serie A appearance since August 2016.
