Inter Milan is set to host Barcelona in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie on Tuesday, following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first encounter last week in Barcelona. Both clubs are navigating significant injury concerns ahead of this crucial match, potentially the most important of their seasons. Encouraging news for both sides is the return of key strikers: Inter`s captain Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona`s main forward Robert Lewandowski are back in their respective squads. However, other players, including French defender Benjamin Pavard and Alejandro Balde, will miss the game in Milan.
Lautaro Martinez, the Argentinian striker and team captain, was substituted at halftime during the first leg due to a muscular injury. His return for the second leg is surprisingly swift. After rejoining team training on Monday, he is now expected to be included in the starting lineup. In contrast, Inter`s French defender Benjamin Pavard, who also didn`t train fully with the team on Monday, will not be available for the match.
Barcelona faces similar challenges. Alejandro Balde has not recovered in time and is not in the squad list. However, coach Xavi Hernandez will have Robert Lewandowski available. Regarding the Polish striker`s fitness, Xavi commented, “It might be better for Lewandowski to start on the bench after his injury, but he`s ready to be on the bench. If we need him, he can come in. We will see if he can start against Real Madrid [this weekend].”
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi spoke about the fitness of his returning players: “Lautaro and Pavard have huge motivation, but we`ll have to evaluate their condition. Lautaro has been out for a week. We`ll make the best decision.” If Pavard is unable to play, German defender Yann Bisseck is expected to fill in, just as he did in the first leg.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, May 6
- Location: San Siro — Milan, Italy
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Inter +194; Draw +280; Barcelona +123
Predicted Starting Lineups
Inter XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrix Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
FC Barcelona XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
Adrian Whitmore