Report – Two Defensive Stalwarts Unavailable For Lazio Vs Inter Milan Serie A Clash

Inter Milan will, in all likelihood, square off against Lazio without defensive mainstays Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport via FCInterNews, both Nerazzurri defenders will be unavailable for selection come Monday.

Though Simone Inzaghi hoped to welcome Acerbi back from a muscle injury, the veteran star will need more time to regain full fitness.

Indeed, Inter lost the ex-Lazio center-back to a muscular problem against Hellas Verona in late November.

Acerbi wasn’t at Inzaghi’s disposal for the last three competitive matches.

However, everyone around the Nerazzurri camp expected the 36-year-old to be back for the Lazio clash.

Francesco Acerbi & Benjamin Pavard Unavailable for Inter Milan vs Lazio Serie A Showdown

In addition to Acerbi, Inter will be without Pavard. The French superstar is still out with a thigh injury and may not return until January.

Therefore, the reigning Scudetto holders will miss two vital defensive pieces in the upcoming title six-pointer.

On a positive note, Stefan de Vrij has gone from strength to strength in Acerbi’s absence.

Indeed, the Dutch center-back was phenomenal in last night’s UEFA Champions League game at Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Yann Bisseck has fared well in Pavard’s position, proving a reliable alternative in the time of crisis.