Lautaro Martinez sent a message to Inter fans after he was ruled out until 2024 by injury. ‘After 89 games in a row, unfortunately I am forced to stop.’
The striker was in the starting XI for the Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie against Bologna on Wednesday.
He already required treatment for his left thigh when the game went to extra time, then was visibly limping and holding the groin area as he was substituted with his team leading 1-0.
They went on to lose 2-1 and exit the competition, while Lautaro Martinez has been diagnosed with a strain to the adductors in the left thigh.
“I am very disappointed with the way Wednesday night’s game went, as the Coppa Italia is a competition we care about, seeing as we won the last two editions and the team did everything possible to continue that journey,” wrote Lautaro Martinez on Instagram.
“Now total focus on the other very important objectives that remain. After 89 games in a row, unfortunately I am forced to stop. I am sad not to be able to help my teammates, for a few days I am forced to rest to recuperate and return as soon as possible.”
That statistic of 89 presences in a row signifies just how crucial the Argentina international has been to Simone Inzaghi’s side, and not just because he is their captain.
The last match Lautaro Martinez missed for Inter was in October 2022 due to a muscular issue, over a year ago.
Before that, he also skipped a Serie A match in April 2022 through suspension.