Lautaro Martinez at risk of missing Inter’s Champions League opener vs. Ajax

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 5:56 AM ET

Inter captain Lautaro Martinez didn’t train with the rest of the team on Tuesday due to back pain and could miss Wednesday’s Champions League match against Ajax, while Matteo Darmian has been ruled out because of a similar issue.

Inter star striker Lautaro Martinez is in doubt for the Nerazzurri’s Champions League opener against Ajax on Wednesday, as the Argentine didn’t train with the rest of the team on the eve of the game.

Lautaro Martinez risks missing Ajax vs. Inter

Gazzetta and other Italian media report that Lautaro only trained in the gym and not on the pitch due to back pain, but still travelled to Amsterdam with the rest of the squad.

On the other hand, Matteo Darmian remained in Milan due to low back pain.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu will provide updates on Lautaro Martinez’s fitness at a press conference today at 19:00 CET (18:00 BST).

Bonny or Pio Esposito may replace Lautaro vs. Ajax

Either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito will replace Lautaro if he’s not fit to start.

Lautaro played 60 minutes in Saturday’s 4-3 loss against Juventus, where he started despite returning for Argentina international duty only two days earlier.

Lautaro scored nine goals in 14 Champions League appearances last term, his best-ever campaign in Europe’s elite club competition, while Bonny and Pio Esposito have yet to make their debut in the tournament.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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