Chivu: Thuram’s injury ‘not serious’ but ‘can’t reveal’ Inter replacement

CAGLIARI, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 27: Cristian Eugen Chivu coach of Inter looks on during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and FC Internazionale at Stadio Sant’Elia on September 27, 2025 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

Cristian Chivu insists Marcus Thuram’s injury is ‘not serious’ and the Inter coach seems to have already decided on the striker’s replacement against Cremonese, but he ‘can’t reveal it.’

Inter are preparing to host Cremonese at San Siro in the last game before the international break on Saturday.

Thuram suffered a hamstring injury during Tuesday’s Champions League game against Slavia Prague and is expected to remain out of action for a month.

Latest Thuram injury update

“Marcus was the player who came off first in Cagliari, so he had a few extra minutes to rest. Against Slavia, I saw him and Lautaro as the pair that could cause the most problems,” Chivu said at a press conference on Friday via FcInter1908. 

“He was enjoying himself and feeling good, but unfortunately, injuries are always around the corner, and it’s disappointing on a human level. The injury is not too serious; he just needs a bit of time before we have him back with us.”

Lautaro Martinez will surely start against Cremonese tomorrow, while Thuram will be replaced by either Ange-Yoan Bonny or Francesco Pio Esposito.

The latter has already started two games across all competitions, including one in the Champions League, while Bonny has collected seven appearances, but all as a substitute.

Chivu ‘can’t reveal’ Thuram’s replacement

One of them will partner with Lautaro in the Nerazzurri XI on Saturday.

“We’ll see tomorrow,” said Chivu.

“I have an idea, at 90%, I’ve already decided who will play alongside Lautaro, but I can’t reveal it.”

Chivu then praised Bonny by saying that the only thing he’s missing is a “starting spot” as the former Parma striker has “never missed a training session, so his turn will come sooner or later.”

Inter have collected nine points in six Serie A games this term, but host Cremonese on the back of four consecutive victories across all competitions, in which they scored nine goals and conceded just once.

“We’ve found balance, we’re more careful even when we try to attack,” Chivu explained.

“I’m happy because I always start from the principle of not conceding goals and having an organised and focused team, with a strong desire not to concede.”