File photo: Lautaro Martinez has been in fine form for Inter Milan this season. | Photo Credit: AP

Inter Milan will be without captain and top scorer Lautaro Martinez for Sunday’s Serie A match against Como, the Italian league leader said.

“Medical tests today (Friday) revealed a mild muscle strain in his left calf,” Inter said in a statement, adding that the striker’s “condition will be reassessed in the coming days”.

Italian media reports suggested the 28-year-old could return as soon as next week’s game at home against Cagliari.

Inter has a seven-point advantage over resurgent reigning champion Napoli with seven matches remaining in the Serie A season.

Martinez, the league’s top scorer with 16 goals this term, was sidelined for six weeks between February and March with muscular injuries.

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On his return last weekend, the Argentinian scored a brace in a 5-2 win over Roma.

In his absence, Inter had a difficult March with two defeats and a draw in three matches to give hope to the chasing pack.

It faces a tricky trip to face fourth-placed Como, desperate to not give any further encouragement to Napoli and third-placed AC Milan, which is nine points adrift.

Inter coach Cristian Chivu is expected to partner Marcus Thuram with Pio Esposito up front in Martinez’s absence.

Published on Apr 10, 2026