Montella Thanks Inter Over Calhanoglu as Turkey Wait on Yildiz

Why Calhanoglu’s early release matters

Getting Calhanoglu into camp ahead of schedule is more than a courtesy.

• Inter have already wrapped up major domestic business.
• The midfielder has been managing recent injury issues.
• He is due to begin work with the squad from Friday.

That gives Montella precious time. In short tournaments, preparation is often as important as talent. Turkey need their captain not just available, but sharp enough to control rhythm, manage pressure and steady the side in tense moments. When Montella frames him as one of the squad’s defining figures, it underlines how central he is to Turkey’s balance.

The Yildiz concern Turkey cannot ignore

If Calhanoglu brings control, Yildiz brings unpredictability.

• The Juventus forward has dealt with recurring inflammation around his knee.
• The issue has limited his training over the past two months.
• Turkey are concerned about his condition ahead of the tournament.

That is the awkward tension in Turkey’s camp. Yildiz, still only 21, appears to be the breakout talent in the group, but knockout football is unforgiving when explosive players are not fully free physically. Turkey can manage one fitness issue; managing two in key attackers would be far more complicated.

Montella’s message: ambition without drift

Montella’s wider tone has been measured. The immediate aim is to get through the group stage, not to be carried away by rising confidence. That feels sensible. Turkey have quality, but tournament football punishes overconfidence and rewards squads that arrive healthy, clear-headed and cohesive.

The next big watchpoint is simple: how quickly Calhanoglu reaches full condition, and whether Yildiz can train without setbacks before the 2026 World Cup begins.