Samir Handanovic is nearing a return to action but this weekend’s match with Sampdoria is likely to come just too soon for him according to a report in today’s print edition of Tuttosport.

The Slovenian shot-stopper has not played in any of Inter’s last five games due to a hairline fracture to his small finger in his left hand and whilst highly unlikely to return against Sampdoria, he will return for next week’s Europa League round of 32 second leg tie at home to Ludogorets.

Unlilke in four of the last five games, Handanovic was not included in the squad for last night’s 2-0 win away to Ludogorets in their first leg.

The reason for this was to allow him to remain in Milan and work solely on his recovery alongside the other injured players who did not travel with the Nerazzurri to Razgrad.

This season Handanovic has made 29 appearances across all competitions, in which he has conceded 29 goals and kept eight clean sheets.