“Benjamin Pavard underwent clinical and instrumental examinations at the Istituto Humanitas in Rozzano. For the Nerazzurri defender, it is a sprain of the hamstring of the left thigh. His condition will be reassessed next week.” This is how, on November 29, Inter Milan announced the injury of Benjamin Pavard, without however specifying the duration of absence. Since then, no trace of the French defender, so important for the Nerazzurri in the quest for a historic twentieth title during the previous year. Hoped for the Italian Super Cup, which starts this Thursday evening in Saudi Arabia with a semi-final against Atalanta Bergamo, his return has been postponed. Again.
In mid-December, Simone Inzaghi, the Inter technician, recognized that Francesco Acerbi, also injured, was “further ahead” that Benjamin Pavard in his recovery processor. What to worry about the convalescence of the one who is nicknamed by all “Benji the Interista”? Not really. Within the Lombard club, we assure that no obstacle is intervened for his return in recent weeks.It's simply precaution after a more than delicate injury.“, we are told, with a possible return scheduled for the beginning of 2025. The trip to Venice on January 12 seems a possible date.
“He and Acerbi were jogging yesterday (Monday) at the training centerrevealed La Gazzetta dello Sport mardi. They did not tire with the group, but they were with their teammates in the collective preparation for the Super Cup. Simone Inzaghi would have liked to take them to Saudi Arabia to stop the massacre in her defense, but the decision not to risk it was taken three days ago. The two will continue their individual work.” Caution is essential, therefore, in the ranks of the Beloved. But while waiting to be able to push back, Pavard sees his position seriously threatened by one of his competitors in the right axis of the three-way defense: Yann Bisseck.
I am a player who needs to move on to find the rhythm
After a difficult start to the season, the German defender, perfectly managed and then integrated by Simone Inzaghi, continued to grow throughout the matches. “He is a very strong and powerful playerwelcomed the Milan coach after the success against Arsenal in the Champions League at the beginning of November. He played with personality against big teams, notably against Manchester City. He never gives up.” And here he is now, somewhat by force of circumstances, with 19 matches (14 starts) on the clock. “He is taking his chance to the fullest“, indicates an informed Inter follower.
Stuck in the infirmary for more than a month, Pavard is inevitably wondering what happens next. Will he regain his starting position once restored? Not automatically. But his playing time should not decrease, especially given the intense schedule that awaits Inter, engaged in four tables (Serie A, C1, Italian Cup and Club World Cup). Accustomed to daily rotations, Inzaghi will know how to manage the strengths of his squad. In addition, the native of Maubeuge can boast slightly better statistics than his teammate and competitor. Over the same period last season, he had an average of 3.75 duels won per match, compared to 3.16 for Bisseck. Balls recovered: 2.58 against 2.26. The duels: 1.42 against 0.53. Interceptions: 1.33 against 0.74. “Pavard remains Pavard“, we could read on the specialized site InterNews.it, which revealed this data with the collaboration of Sofascore.
-“I am a player who needs to move on to find the rhythmrecognized Benjamin Pavard in a recent interview with GQ magazine. I'm only twenty-eight, I'm at the right age for my sport, neither young nor old, but I have to watch all that even if I know my body better and better. With the number of matches, we have to be even more careful and be as professional as possible to prevent injuries” Suffice to say that his return promises to be gradual, even more so after an absence which can be quantified between five and six weeks.
The Blues, always in his head
With fifteen matches on the clock (1079 minutes of play) at mid-season, including twelve starts, the former Bayern Munich defender certainly expected something else for his second season in Lombardy. Especially in his perspective of remaining within the fold of the France team. If Didier Deschamps had decided to do without it at Euro 2024, the Blues coach recalled him to compensate for the absence of Wesley Fofana during the last gathering in November. “Benjamin doesn't move away. He plays every three days and I know what he can do“, declared the coach of the Blues about him at the time of the October gathering.
From the height of his 55 caps, Pavard, who has not always had an easy relationship with “DD”, always keeps the Blues in the back of his mind. “I always respect the coach's choices, he's the bosshe admitted to GQ. But it sure feels weird because since November 2017 I had almost been called up to the French team every time, except because of an injury and Covid. I had the opportunity to recharge my batteries and go away for a few days with my fiancée, so I had a good time during this period. But obviously I don't give up and I continue to work so that the coach calls on me again. It's really him who passed on winning to me and I still want to win alongside him (…) There is nothing more beautiful than representing your country and singing the Marseillaise before a match . I've had emotions since I was little watching the Blues on TV and it still gives me chills today.”
Fortunately for him, the next list of the Blues is scheduled for next March. Which gives him time to recover from his injury and find his place at Inter. Even if nothing looks easy.
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