Inter return to Serie A action at San Siro on Saturday sitting second in the table with 13 points from five games, level with Roma and Lazio, but the international break has left Cristian Chivu with a significant selection headache. Curtis Jones suffered a myofascial strain in his right adductor during training at Appiano Gentile and will miss approximately three weeks, ruling him out not just against Parma but several subsequent fixtures across Serie A and the Champions League. Jones had started both the Real Madrid and Roma games, making his absence a real blow to midfield depth.

Chivu's response will shape how Inter approach a demanding run of nine games in a month. With Calhanoglu and Dimarco back fit after the break, the squad has genuine cause for optimism, and Mkhitaryan is the favourite to fill Jones's role at left midfield ahead of Sucic. Up front, Lautaro Martinez is set to be rested as a deliberate rotation call, opening the door for Ange-Yoan Bonny to start against his former club. Provedel could also make his Inter debut in goal, with Chivu managing Martinez's workload ahead of a congested schedule.

On the right flank, the picture has brightened considerably. Chivu can now choose between Andy Diouf, Djed Spence and Luis Henrique, a contrast to the thin options available earlier in the season. Parma arrive in Milan having changed their manager during the break, which adds an element of uncertainty to a match Inter will be expected to win.