Tuttosport: Stones and Jones sidelined, Spence set for the bench

Cristian Chivu is preparing for the European clash with the three signings from the Premier League still making only a limited contribution. According to Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport, John Stones and Curtis Jones remain sidelined, while Djed Spence, who is understood to be available, is not expected to start against Shakhtar. The newspaper reports that the wing-back is still some way short of peak fitness: his situation therefore differs from that of his two unavailable compatriots.

The newspaper’s assessment focuses primarily on the Champions League, where the signings’ international experience was supposed to give the Inter coach more options. Stones has already won the competition, while Jones was part of Liverpool’s first-team squad in the year of their European triumph. So far, however, their contribution has been limited. The incident at the Bernabéu also counts against Jones: Tuttosport attributes to him the error that led to the move for Real Madrid’s opening goal.

The difficulties in settling in extend beyond the English trio. Benjamin Pavard, who has returned to Inter, is also currently sidelined, while Aleksandar Stanković has yet to establish himself as a regular option in the rotation, despite being a regular starter for Club Brugge in the Champions League last season. In the newspaper’s view, Chivu is therefore expected to rely mainly on the core of players from previous seasons; a possible start for Provedel in goal remains one potential change.

The next fixture is scheduled for Wednesday 21 October at 21:00 CEST at the San Siro, on matchday three of the league phase. After losing their opening two European games, Inter are seeking their first points against Shakhtar: a match in which, according to Tuttosport’s reporting, the greatest responsibility will once again fall on the established players.