Mauro Icardi: "He is still an important player for the Inter" – Javier Zanetti hopes a quick return of the attacker

Inter director Javier Zanetti hopes Mauro Icardi will return to the field in the next two weeks.

Icardi's future at Inter was questioned when he was stripped of his captaincy last week and replaced by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

The 26-year-old, who has been badociated with a number of teams, including Juventus, was removed from the selection for the Europa League first leg against Rapid Vienna last Thursday.

The Argentine international also missed the weekend in Serie A against Sampdoria and the second leg against Rapid. The Inter has progressed in Europe and beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the last 16 games.

Icardi is in talks about a new contract but talks have been bogging down in recent weeks, resulting in an increasingly harrowing relationship between the striker and the club's board.

The Inter would also be dissatisfied with the wife and the agent of Icardi Wanda Nara publicly commenting on the club's business.

Zanetti seems to have offered Icardi a lifeline, insisting that he would like to see the former Sampdoria leader come back in the fold in time for the first leg with Eintracht Frankfurt on 7 March.

However, Zanetti insists that any decision regarding the availability of the player will depend on what is best for the team.

"Mauro is still an important player for us," said Zanetti Sky Sport Italia. "We hope to find him for this tie, which would help the team.

"I think that when there are problems in the locker room, you have to solve them internally, so this group can get stronger and stronger, I would like us to create the conditions so that we can continue to win.

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"I am sorry for the situation that has occurred but, I repeat, the issue must be settled on the premise that it is a good idea to do good for the team.

"The [captaincy] Decision was not taken lightly, so I do not think that will change. I have not spoken to him yet. I would like to leave some time, but, I repeat, the team is first. "

The Inter will return to Serie A on Saturday with a trip to Fiorentina. The Nerazzurri will then travel to Cagliari next Friday, before their last first leg match for the 16 first legs of the Europa League in Frankfurt early next month.