Barcelona are set to welcome back Robert Lewandowski for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan on Tuesday, after the Polish striker recovered from a hamstring injury. While Lewandowski, who has netted 40 goals for Barcelona across all competitions this season, is fit to return, manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that he will likely start the match on the bench. This comes as a major boost for Barcelona, who are looking to reach their first Champions League final in a decade following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg.
Lewandowski had been sidelined since sustaining the injury during a 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo on 19 April. He missed Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final triumph over Real Madrid and the first leg of this semi-final clash. However, after recent discussions with the player, Flick expressed optimism, noting that Lewandowski is recovering better than expected and is ready to contribute off the bench when needed.
Barcelona’s chances of progressing to the final are bolstered by Lewandowski’s return, but the team will still face challenges in the second leg. Both full-backs, Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, are unavailable due to injury. Flick has yet to reveal his plans for replacing the two defenders but hinted at the possibility of deploying centre-backs Ronald Araújo and Eric García or potentially using younger players like Héctor Fort or Gerard Martín in their natural positions.
The absence of Koundé and Balde presents a significant problem for Barcelona, especially after struggling to contain Inter’s potent counterattacks in the first leg, particularly from Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch wing-back was a constant threat down Inter’s right flank, scoring twice and providing an assist. Flick has acknowledged the need for better defensive organization in the second leg, emphasizing the complexity of football and the importance of finding the right balance between tactics and player performances on the pitch.
Barcelona, currently chasing a historic treble, remain unbeaten in La Liga since late December, holding a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table. However, after the clash against Inter, they will face their arch-rivals in a crucial La Liga encounter that could effectively decide the domestic title. With such high stakes, Barcelona will need to put in a strong performance to keep their hopes of a treble alive.
Meanwhile, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi provided updates on the fitness of his key players, including the availability of captain Lautaro Martínez, who had to be substituted due to a muscle injury in the first leg at the Camp Nou. Inzaghi stated that both Martínez and defender Benjamin Pavard would be assessed alongside the medical staff before a decision is made about their participation. While Pavard has returned to training and felt okay, Martínez has not yet resumed full training since the first leg, leaving his availability uncertain.
With both teams dealing with fitness concerns, the second leg promises to be an intense encounter, with Barcelona looking to capitalize on Lewandowski’s return and Inter hoping to maintain their advantage despite key injury doubts.
