According to Corriere dello Sport, Cristian Chivu hopes Internazionale will have all three of their English summer signings available after the international break.
Djed Spence has already established himself as an important player, while Curtis Jones and Stones are working to regain their fitness and show their value to the team. The trio were among Internazionale’s most significant additions from the Premier League, but injuries have so far prevented Chivu from having them all in top form at the same time.
Spence was the first to secure a regular place in the side. After a challenging adjustment period, the English wing-back gradually won the coach’s confidence and started Internazionale’s last three matches against Milan, Feyenoord and Como.
He was particularly influential in the final two fixtures, providing three assists. However, Spence suffered muscle fatigue while away on international duty and missed the match against Croatia. His condition will continue to be monitored before the league resumes.
Chivu is also hoping Jones and Stones will be ready to contribute when domestic action returns. Both players were included in the squad for the game against Como but remained unused substitutes throughout.
Jones, who formerly played for Liverpool, was highly valued by Chivu during the summer and is expected to add greater energy to the Internazionale midfield. The coach appreciates his composure in possession, ability to make forward runs and movement without the ball.
Chivu also regards Jones’ intensity as an important quality for competing at Champions League level. The midfielder used the international break to work on his fitness at the Appiano Gentile training ground.
A suspension had disrupted Jones’ progress at a time when he was attempting to regain consistency, but the away fixture against Atalanta could provide him with an immediate chance to start.
Stones’ return is being handled more carefully. The defender suffered an injury during his first start for Internazionale, against Udinese two months ago. He has now returned to normal training, although the coaching staff are keen to avoid rushing him and risking a recurrence.
His experience and leadership at the heart of the defence remain qualities Chivu hopes to call upon as the season develops.
Internazionale’s manager wants all three English players to make a significant contribution soon. Spence has already shown that he can influence matches, while Jones and Stones still have to demonstrate the full extent of their potential.
Their return to full fitness would give Chivu more options and add the intensity he believes Internazionale will need for the challenges ahead in Serie A and the Champions League.
