Chivu Confirms Calhanoglu Fit for Inter Milan’s Parma Clash
Hakan Calhanoglu is fit for Inter Milan’s Serie A meeting with Parma on Saturday after completing a full week of unrestricted training at the club’s training centre.
Cristian Chivu moved to end questions over the midfielder’s absence from Turkey duty, saying Calhanoglu had an issue which ruled out an international call-up. The Inter coach kept him in Milan throughout the three-week period to finish his recovery programme.
Quick facts
- Calhanoglu has trained normally for a week and is available for Parma.
- Chivu asked the Turkey international to remain with Inter rather than take time away.
- Djed Spence is also back in the squad after five full training sessions.
- Inter host Parma at San Siro while protecting an unbeaten domestic record.
- Ivan Provedel could be in line for a goalkeeping opportunity.
Chivu said the decision was his, explaining that he wanted Calhanoglu working with the group instead of taking a day off or travelling to join his international team-mates. Inter’s late finish also made a Turkey reunion impractical.
The Romanian coach underlined Calhanoglu’s importance to his side, with the playmaker now cleared to return as Inter prepare for a demanding run of games.
Spence has also received the green light for selection after a two-month spell out, which included injury rehabilitation and recovery time following the tournament period. Chivu said the full-back has put five strong sessions behind him and will be called up.
“He is available now,” Chivu said of Spence, adding that the squad were pleased to see the defender’s confidence and quality returning.
Inter face matches every three days until the next international break, putting rotation and player management at the centre of Chivu’s planning. Provedel is pushing for a place in goal as the Nerazzurri target a convincing home display against Parma.
