Luis Henrique’s rare Inter start offers a chance to change his role

Luis Henrique has played just 140 minutes in four Serie A appearances this season, but he is reportedly set for a rare opportunity: his first Inter start since August 30, against Bologna. For Cristian Chivu, the right-wing selection would give a player short on minutes a chance to strengthen his case for a bigger role.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Brazilian is expected to start on the right. His last start came in Inter’s win away to Cagliari, where he played 81 minutes. Since then, competition has kept him out of the starting side. The newspaper also reports that Yann Bisseck and Denzel Dumfries’ teammate Denzel? [sic] No — do not add inaccurate detail. Better omit.

The right flank has become a contested spot, with the source reporting that competition from Diouf and Spence has added to the challenge. Luis Henrique has yet to score or assist in the league this season, so the Bologna game presents a direct opportunity to turn limited involvement into a stronger claim for regular selection.

Chivu still has choices to make elsewhere. On the left, he is weighing whether to continue with Federico Dimarco or use Carlos Augusto, who is coming off muscle fatigue. In midfield, Piotr Zielinski is a candidate to replace Hakan Çalhanoğlu if the coach rests him; Çalhanoğlu has scored once in his only league appearance this season.

Benjamin Pavard is expected to miss about 20 days with a problem in his right thigh adductors, according to La Gazzetta. That leaves Inter with a near-set back three of Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni in front of goalkeeper Martinez. The newspaper says Martinez is favoured over Provedel despite another error.

Bologna are 14th with five points from six matches: one win, two draws and three defeats. Inter’s reported decision to give Luis Henrique the start is one part of a wider selection puzzle, but it carries a clear consequence for the Brazilian: with only 140 league minutes behind him, this is a chance to make the right-wing role harder to take away.