Denzel Dumfries is closing in on a return for Inter, and he could be available when Inter play Juventus

Inter Milan have been handed a welcome boost as Denzel Dumfries continues to make strong progress in his recovery, raising hopes of an earlier-than-expected return.

The Dutch wing-back has been out of action since early November after damaging his ankle in Inter’s clash with Lazio on November 9. What initially appeared to be a manageable issue proved more complicated, eventually forcing the club to opt for surgery to fully address the problem.

At the time, Dumfries was ruled out for around three months, with early March as a realistic time for him to return to full fitness. However, with the defender responding well to treatment and rehabilitation work, he is expected to return earlier than expected.

Reports from Italy suggest Dumfries has returned to the training pitch at Appiano Gentile, where he has begun individual on-field sessions. While he is not yet back in full team training, this signals that the recovery is entering its final phase.

Inter had already hinted internally that his absence might not last as long as feared, a belief that influenced their decision not to pursue a direct replacement during the January transfer window. The club remained confident they could manage with existing options until Dumfries was ready.

The current objective is to have the 27-year-old match-fit within the next 10 days. If that target is met, Dumfries could be available for Inter’s Champions League play-off first leg away to Bodo/Glimt.

There is even cautious optimism that he could make the squad for the Serie A showdown against Juventus on February 14, potentially from the bench.