Without Lautaro, Inter need Thuram to break Champions League curse

With Lautaro Martinez sidelined, Inter need Marcus Thuram to end his 13-month Champions League goal drought against Shakhtar.

Marcus Thuram has not scored in the Champions League for 13 months, his last goal coming on 17 September 2025 against Ajax. With Inter captain Lautaro Martinez injured and unavailable until after the international break, the French forward must step up in the competition where Inter have won just one of their last eight matches. Thuram has been prolific in Serie A with 10 goals since April, but his European form contrasts sharply with his domestic success. The Shakhtar match offers him the chance to break his drought and help revive Inter's Champions League campaign.