The Nerazzurri are without injured Julio Cesar, Christian Chivu, Philippe Coutinho and Wesley Sneijder - all set to recover in time for Tuesday's Champions League match at Lille.
Andrea Ranocchia and Joel Obi are also absent through suspension and to complicate matters for Ranieri, his side suffered a blow this week with Diego Forlan set to be out of action for two months.
Forlan pulled a hamstring in Uruguay's World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay on Tuesday.
"Forlan's injury is a real shame," Ranieri said. "It's a serious one and he will need time to recover."
The only consolation for Inter is that Ranieri will be on the bench this weekend after his appeal against his one-match touchline ban was successful.
Ranieri was sent to the stands for insulting the referee during his team's 3-0 home defeat to Napoli in the last round.
That result dropped Inter to 17th in the standings, one point clear of the relegation zone.
With just four points from five league games, Ranieri knows his team cannot fail at Catania.
"It's a difficult game," Ranieri said.
"Juventus struggled at Catania and Inter lost there two years ago. But we have to win.
"Our only thoughts are on bringing home three points to reduce our seven-point gap with the Serie A leaders (Juventus and Udinese)."
Luca Castellazzi will replace Julio Cesar in goal.
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