Inter Milan Faces Extended Absence of Star Striker Lautaro Martinez

Argentine forward expected to miss over a month due to injury, including key Champions League match.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Inter Milan has confirmed that their star striker Lautaro Martinez will be sidelined for over a month due to injury. The Argentine forward is set to miss several key matches, including a UEFA Champions League play-off second leg. Inter will have to rely on other talented attackers like Marcus Thuram, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Francesco Pio Esposito to fill the void left by Martinez's absence.

Why it matters

Lautaro Martinez is a crucial player for Inter Milan, serving as the team's captain and leading scorer. His extended absence due to injury is a significant blow to the club's hopes of success in both domestic and European competitions this season.

The details

According to reports, Martinez suffered an injury that will keep him out for over a month. He is expected to miss Inter's upcoming match against Lecce as well as the second leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie. The Argentine forward will also be unavailable for several other key games across the next month.

  • Lautaro Martinez is expected to be out for over a month.
  • He will miss Inter Milan's match against Lecce on February 25, 2026.
  • Martinez will also miss the second leg of Inter's UEFA Champions League play-off tie.

The players

Lautaro Martinez

The captain and star striker of Inter Milan, known for his goal-scoring prowess and importance to the team.

Cristian Chivu

The head coach of Inter Milan, who will have to find ways to replace the injured Lautaro Martinez in the team's lineup.

Marcus Thuram

A talented attacker in Inter Milan's squad who may be called upon to fill the void left by Lautaro Martinez's injury.

Ange-Yoan Bonny

Another Inter Milan attacker who could see increased playing time due to Lautaro Martinez's absence.

Francesco Pio Esposito

A young Inter Milan attacker who may be given the opportunity to step up in the absence of Lautaro Martinez.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Lautaro Martinez's extended injury absence is a significant setback for Inter Milan, as the Argentine forward is a crucial player for the team. The club will need to rely on other talented attackers to step up and fill the void left by Martinez's absence in the coming weeks.