Inter completed their final training session this Sunday ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 match against Fluminense. Coach Chivu`s squad is nearly complete. Davide Frattesi is absent, having returned to Italy, while the young Francesco Pio Esposito trained separately with a recovery session. According to Sportmediaset, optimism remains: Esposito has no lesion and will try to be at least among the squad list, although his presence is still doubtful. In attack, Marcus Thuram is ready, fully recovered from the muscle fatigue experienced against Monterrey. Chivu commented on him in his press conference:
`He has trained with us since we arrived here in Charlotte. He had two good training sessions and has overcome the discomfort in his thigh; then it will be up to me to decide if he starts.`
Frattesi`s Statement on His Condition
Davide Frattesi himself posted an update on his condition via Instagram:
`Hello everyone! In agreement with the club and technical staff, I will return to Italy to undergo more in-depth exams due to a problem I`ve had since the Barcelona match! See you soon, and Forza Inter always. Good luck to my teammates.`
Chivu Discusses Injured Players and Squad Depth
Speaking further in the press conference, Chivu discussed injured players. Regarding Frattesi`s return to Milan, he stated:
`When we left Milan, we accounted for unforeseen circumstances by integrating Primavera (youth team) players, who have given us a lot by raising the training level. I`m happy because we made our choices with question marks over what might happen. In football, it happens; players have aches or carry small problems and need to be handled carefully. Some recover like Marcus, some try to like Frattesi and Calhanoglu. We decided to send him to Milan for some extra checks. Also, expectations and rumors could arise around them that wouldn`t be good for them or the group. So, we gave him a break to recover better. I don`t know if someone else will join us if we pass the round; you`ll find out later.`
Match Preparedness and Weather Concerns
On the upcoming match and the weather alert, Chivu added:
`We are ready; we came here to honor the tournament and what the club represents worldwide. We also had a few days of rest and have been ready from day one. It was cooler in the west, but we are ready to be our best version and advance. Weather alert? I hope a decision is made before the match starts tomorrow. If we arrive at the stadium and they tell us we have to wait two hours, it becomes difficult. This isn`t something that can just be postponed like that. It also changes nutrition, and we need to be ready. I hope there`s some clarity by noon tomorrow. Responsibility needs to be taken.`
New Signing Luis Henrique Looks Forward
On the eve of the match, Brazilian newcomer Luis Henrique, who recently arrived from Marseille, spoke with determination about facing his compatriots:
`I know this is a very important moment; we face Fluminense, who are strong, a quality team. To win, concentration will be needed; it will be a great match. In the last few training sessions, I`ve felt better and better; I`m ready to take the field.`
Young Players Embrace the Opportunity
The spotlight also fell on young players like Sebastiano Esposito:
`We must only think about tomorrow`s match and doing well tomorrow; it`s a very important match for us. Advancing would be very nice.`
And Thomas Berenbruch:
`Being here is definitely a pleasure, just as it has been to be part of the first team during the rest of the year. For us coming from the Primavera, it`s a huge opportunity.`
