Inter Milan is set to host Barcelona in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals on Tuesday, following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg held last week in Barcelona. Both teams are grappling with significant injury concerns leading up to what is arguably their most critical match of the season.
Positive news for both sides includes the return of key attackers: Inter captain Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona`s main striker Robert Lewandowski are back in their respective squads shortly before the decisive encounter. However, some players remain unavailable due to injury, such as Inter defender Benjamin Pavard and Barcelona`s Alejandro Balde.
Lautaro Martinez, who was forced off at halftime during the first leg with a muscular injury, has made a remarkably quick recovery. He trained with the team on Monday and is surprisingly expected to be in the starting lineup for the second leg. In contrast, Benjamin Pavard did not train with the team on Monday and will miss the match on Tuesday.
Regarding player availability, Lautaro is anticipated to start for Inter. Barcelona faces similar challenges; Alejandro Balde remains sidelined and was not included in the squad list. However, coach Flick has confirmed that their primary forward, Robert Lewandowski, is available.
The Barcelona coach commented on Lewandowski`s situation, suggesting it might be prudent for him to start the match from the bench after his injury layoff, but affirmed his readiness to come on if needed. His potential to start in the upcoming league fixture against Real Madrid is still under consideration.
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi addressed the fitness of Lautaro and Pavard, stating that the team was evaluating their condition, especially Lautaro, who had been out for a week. He indicated that the final decision on the lineup would be based on these assessments. Should Pavard be unavailable for Tuesday`s game, German defender Yann Bisseck is expected to take his place in the starting eleven, as he did in the first leg in Barcelona.
How to watch Inter vs. Barcelona
- Date: Tuesday, May 6
- Location: San Siro — Milan, Italy
- Live stream: Paramount+
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.
