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Calhanoglu Faces Fresh Calf Concern as Turkey Reach World Cup Play-Off Final

Pending tests will determine his availability for the play-off decider.

Overview

  • Turkey beat Romania 1-0 to reach the play-off final, and Hakan Calhanoglu went off late with a suspected left-calf problem after taking a long shot.
  • He remained with the national squad for medical tests, with early reports suggesting the substitution may have been precautionary.
  • Goal reports the final is against Kosovo, while Football Italia stresses that his fitness status remains uncertain.
  • Inter are monitoring his condition before their April 5 home match against Roma, with Piotr Zielinski cited as possible cover if needed.
  • The 32-year-old has faced repeated muscle issues in 2026, including a January calf injury that sidelined him for over a month and left him with only five Serie A appearances since.