Inter is set to host Barcelona on Tuesday for the second leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinals. This follows a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg held last week in Barcelona. Both teams are navigating significant injury concerns ahead of this pivotal match, likely their most important of the season. Key players, including Inter`s captain Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona`s primary forward Robert Lewandowski, have rejoined their squads just hours before the decisive fixture. However, others like French defender Benjamin Pavard and Alejandro Balde will miss the game in Milan.
Argentinian striker and captain Lautaro Martinez was substituted at halftime during the first leg due to a muscular issue. Yet, he is surprisingly making a swift return for the second leg. Having trained with the team for the first time on Monday, he is anticipated to be in the starting eleven. Conversely, French defender Benjamin Pavard, who did not participate in Monday`s final full training session before the semifinal, will not be available for Tuesday`s match.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, May 6
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: San Siro — Milan, Italy
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Inter +194; Draw +280; Barcelona +123
While Lautaro is expected to start for Inter, Barcelona faces similar selection issues. Alejandro Balde has not recovered in time and is not included in the squad list. Despite this, coach Hansi Flick will have main striker Robert Lewandowski available again. Discussing the Polish international, Flick commented, “It might be better for Lewandowski to begin on the bench after his injury, but he`s prepared to come on. If we require him, he can enter the game. We will evaluate whether he can start against Real Madrid [in La Liga over the weekend].”
On the Inter side, coach Simone Inzaghi remarked, “Lautaro and Pavard possess immense motivation, but we must assess their condition. Lautaro has been absent for a week. We will determine the most optimal decision.” Should Pavard be unable to play on Tuesday, German defender Yann Bisseck is expected to deputize for him, mirroring the setup in the first leg in Barcelona.
Expected 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.
