Inter Milan Seven Absent for Chelsea Friendly, but There's One Exception: Lautaro Is Following in Zanetti's Footsteps, Not Ronaldo's

As Inter Milan prepare to face Chelsea in a high-profile preseason friendly in London, concerns have arisen among Nerazzurri fans regarding the absence of seven key players. The list includes Mehdi Taremi, Marko Arnautović, Piotr Zieliński, Stefan de Vrij, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Lautaro Martínez, and long-term absentee Tajon Buchanan. With the Serie A season just around the corner, the fear is that Inter’s early season form could be severely impacted by these absences. However, not all is as bleak as it seems, especially concerning their captain, Lautaro Martínez.

Oaktree Capital’s Transfer Strategy: Eye on Resale Value

The recent signing of Thiago Romano has once again highlighted the transfer strategy of Inter Milan’s majority shareholder, Oaktree Capital. The financial backers of the club have shown a clear preference for signing players with high resale value, a philosophy that has become increasingly evident in recent years. Romano’s arrival was prominently featured in La Gazzetta dello Sport, which also speculated on another potential acquisition: Ukrainian international winger Vladyslav Vanat. Vanat has impressed in the ongoing Champions League qualifiers for Dynamo Kyiv, scoring two goals and providing one assist in three substitute appearances against Partizan Belgrade and Rangers. While this speculation is yet to be confirmed, it reflects the club’s ongoing focus on investing in young talent with potential future returns.

Concerns Over Player Fitness Ahead of Serie A Kickoff

While the transfer market buzz continues, Inter fans are understandably more concerned about the fitness of their squad as the Serie A season approaches. The absence of seven players for the Chelsea friendly has raised alarms, not necessarily because of the result, but due to what it could indicate about the team’s readiness for the competitive season. However, according to reports from Sky Sports Italia’s Marco Marchetti and La Gazzetta dello Sport, the situation is not as dire as it might appear.

Taremi, Arnautović, and Zieliński are all expected to return to training by Tuesday or Wednesday, with Taremi’s condition looking particularly promising. Çalhanoğlu has been left at the training base as a precaution due to mild muscle discomfort, indicating that his absence is more about prevention than an actual injury concern.

Lautaro Martínez: The Exception to the Rule

Among the seven absentees, Lautaro Martínez stands out as a unique case. The Argentine forward did not travel to London, but not due to any physical issues. On the contrary, Lautaro’s fitness levels are reportedly much better than expected, especially considering he only recently returned to training after competing in the Copa América final. Despite being one of the last players to rejoin the squad, Lautaro’s condition has been described as exemplary, reflecting a disciplined offseason regimen.

So, why did Lautaro skip the trip to London? The reason is unrelated to injury and more to do with contract negotiations. Inter are on the verge of announcing a contract extension for their captain, with reports suggesting he will earn around €9 million net per season. Given Oaktree Capital’s reputation for fiscal conservatism, approving such a high salary represents a significant commitment, one they plan to publicize heavily. Lautaro’s absence from the London trip allowed him to participate in a promotional video for the impending contract renewal.

Lautaro’s Exceptional Discipline During the Offseason

The most encouraging aspect of Lautaro’s offseason, however, has been his commitment to maintaining peak physical condition. Despite a grueling Copa América campaign that saw him play in the final, Lautaro returned to training in better shape than expected, a testament to his rigorous self-discipline. Throughout his vacation, Lautaro posted several videos on social media showing him working out, and recent fitness tests have confirmed that these were not merely for show.

In fact, Lautaro’s dedication has drawn comparisons to Inter legend Javier Zanetti, who was known for his unwavering commitment to fitness, even on his wedding day. Lautaro’s decision to follow a specialized training plan during the preseason, rather than pushing himself into early match action, mirrors Zanetti’s professionalism and discipline. The goal is for Lautaro to regain full match fitness by the time Inter face Genoa in their Serie A opener, enabling him to play at least an hour at high intensity. Following this, the club hopes he will complete his “catch-up” and be fully match-ready by the time Inter face Atalanta in the third round—a crucial early-season clash against the reigning Europa League champions.

The Dangers of Post-Tournament Fatigue

Lautaro’s situation is particularly noteworthy because players who compete in summer tournaments often struggle with what is known as “post-tournament fatigue.” The intense demands of major international tournaments can deplete a player’s energy reserves, both physically and mentally, leading to sluggish performances at the start of the club season. This fatigue is compounded by the fact that these players typically rejoin their clubs later than those who had a full preseason, resulting in a disrupted training rhythm.

Historically, players suffering from post-tournament fatigue have found it difficult to make an impact in the early part of the season. If they manage to return to form by October or November, when Champions League group stages are in full swing, it’s considered a success. In worst-case scenarios, such as those seen with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, or Romelu Lukaku in the past, players have returned from vacation overweight and out of shape, requiring significant time to regain their form—if they ever do.

However, Lautaro’s offseason discipline has allowed him to avoid these pitfalls. His adherence to a strict diet and training regimen has ensured that he remained in top condition, making the task of regaining full match fitness much simpler. For Inter, this is a huge boost, as it means their captain will be able to contribute at a high level from the start of the season, rather than struggling through a slow start.

A Summer of Success for Lautaro Martínez

This summer has been particularly fruitful for Lautaro. Not only did he lift the Copa América trophy with Argentina, but he also redeemed himself in the eyes of fans and pundits alike after a difficult period following the Qatar World Cup. His performances earned him widespread acclaim, and he has now firmly established himself as one of the world’s top strikers.

Inter had some concerns that Lautaro might become complacent after winning the Serie A MVP award and the Copa América Golden Boot in quick succession. However, the fitness data speaks for itself, confirming that Lautaro has not let success go to his head. Instead, he has continued to demonstrate the professionalism and work ethic expected of a player and captain of his caliber. This has provided a significant morale boost for everyone at Inter, who now look forward to the new season with renewed optimism, knowing they have a captain who leads by example both on and off the pitch.