Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries undergoes ankle surgery

Denzel Dumfries, the Internazionale right-back, has undergone ankle surgery and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months.

The 29-year-old Dutch international, who last featured for the Nerazzurri in early November, went under the knife at the Fortius Clinic in London.

Dumfries, who has become a fixture at right wing-back for Inter since his £13m arrival from PSV Eindhoven a little more than four years ago, posted a picture from his hospital bed on social media on Tuesday evening.

Denzel Dumfries ‘glad the worst is behind’ after ‘tough month’

“Surgery went well,” wrote Dumfries, who came 25th at the Ballon d’Or awards in September. “It’s been a tough month with a lot of emotions, but I’m glad the worst is behind me. Now full focus on recovery and I’ll do my best to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Dumfries’ absence means the Serie A leaders must either remain reliant on winger Luis Henrque and the left-footed Carlos Augusto for cover, or consider a venture into the January transfer market. It represents a significant blow for the club, who initially believed the injury was a straightforward sprain. 

The setback will at least temporarily quell speculation about the full-back’s future, which has become the focus of scrutiny following his recent decision to ditch Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes in favour of Ali Barat, owner of the Abu Dhabi-based sports management agency Epic Sports. 

Dumfries, whose San Siro deal runs until the summer of 2028, reportedly has a  £22m release clause in his contract that becomes effective every year over the first fortnight of July. The Dutchman has previously rebuffed interest from West Ham, but it is understood he would consider a move to a top Premier League side. He has spoken enthusiastically about the allure of the English top flight. 

Denzel Dumfries: ‘The Premier League is a fantastic league’

“The Premier League is a fantastic league, but right now I play in Serie A,” he said in September. “But if the opportunity [to in England] were to present itself, I’d jump at it. 

“I’m happy at Inter, but I think I could do well in the Premier League as well. I’d definitely be interested in it.”

Should Inter decide to bring in cover for Dumfries, Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy, a £1.7m signing from Arsenal in August of last year, is understood to be high on the club’s wishlist. A projected asking price of about £18m may prove prohibitive, however. Atalanta’s Italy under-21 international Marco Palestra, currently on loan at Cagliari, has reportedly also been considered.

Dumfries, who has won Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana during his time at Inter and was a key figure in the side as they reached two of the past three Champions League finals, will now begin an intensive period of recuperation.

“This afternoon, Denzel Dumfries underwent surgery to stabilise his left ankle at the Fortius Clinic in London,” Inter said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Dutch wing-back will now follow a rehabilitation programme over the coming weeks.”