Inter Milan and Argentina striker Lautaro Martínez has suffered a setback in his recovery after reinjuring the soleus muscle in his left leg, the club confirmed on Friday. The news comes just days after the forward had returned to action following a seven-week absence.
According to Inter Milan, medical examinations revealed a slight muscular strain in the same area that had previously sidelined the Argentine. The club added that Martínez’s condition will be reassessed in the coming days, leaving uncertainty around his short-term availability.
The 28-year-old had made an immediate impact upon his return, scoring twice in Inter’s 5-2 victory over Roma last weekend. However, concerns quickly resurfaced after he showed signs of discomfort during the match, later confirmed to be a relapse of the injury originally sustained on February 18 in the UEFA Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt.
Martínez is now expected to miss upcoming Serie A matches against Como and Cagliari, as well as the Coppa Italia semifinal second leg.
The timing of the injury is far from ideal. With Inter leading the Serie A title race and pushing for a third Scudetto in recent years, Martínez’s presence has been crucial throughout the campaign. The Argentine striker has been one of the standout performers of the 2025–26 season, registering 20 goals and four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
Beyond club football, the setback also raises concerns for the Argentina national team, with the 2026 World Cup just two months away.
Despite the setback, Martínez moved quickly to reassure fans. Taking to social media after the diagnosis, he posted a message that reflected both frustration and determination: “And again… time to push forward,” making it clear he remains focused on returning stronger ahead of the World Cup.
