Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez is facing uncertainty regarding his availability for the pivotal second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal against FC Barcelona. This crucial match is set to take place in Milan on Tuesday, following a 3-3 draw in the first leg held in Barcelona on Wednesday. The Italian club maintains a glimmer of hope that their team captain might still be fit enough to participate. The Argentinian striker sustained a muscular injury during the initial encounter, which necessitated his substitution by Inter coach Simone Inzaghi at halftime. While reports indicate Lautaro`s strong desire to recover in time for the return leg in Milan, Inzaghi must prepare contingency plans should his captain be unable to feature.
Inter Milan released an official communication on Friday detailing the striker`s medical status. “Lautaro Martinez underwent several clinical assessments and scans this morning at the Humanitas Institute in Rozzano. These examinations revealed that the Argentine forward has suffered an elongation of the flexor muscles in his left thigh. His condition will continue to be evaluated on a daily basis,” the statement from the Nerazzurri confirmed.
Potential Replacements for Lautaro
Lautaro has been a standout performer for Inter this season, having scored 21 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. His potential absence would pose a significant challenge for Inzaghi`s tactical setup, particularly as the primary backup striker, Marcus Thuram, only recently returned from his own muscle injury just before the first leg against Barcelona. If Lautaro is sidelined, Mehdi Taremi, who joined Inter from FC Porto, is the most probable candidate to fill his spot in the starting lineup. Taremi was the player who replaced Lautaro during the second half of the first leg. Taremi`s debut season at Inter, following his free transfer arrival from Porto in summer 2024, has been somewhat underwhelming, with only three goals scored in all competitions so far. However, his improved showing in the latter part of the Barcelona match demonstrated his capability to contribute effectively to the team. Given that Joaquin Correa is not included in Inter`s Champions League squad list, Marko Arnautovic is the only remaining striking option to partner Thuram. Although some have suggested that Inzaghi might consider fielding midfielder Davide Frattesi in a supporting role behind Thuram, potentially indicating a more defensive tactical approach, Inzaghi has consistently utilized the 3-5-2 formation throughout his four seasons at Inter, making a significant tactical alteration for the most important fixture of the season highly improbable.
Adrian Whitmore