Inter Milan is set to host Barcelona on Tuesday for the crucial second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. The first encounter last week in Barcelona ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw. Both clubs are navigating significant injury concerns ahead of what promises to be one of their most important matches of the season. In a boost for both sides, Inter`s captain Lautaro Martinez and Barcelona`s primary striker Robert Lewandowski are reportedly back in contention just hours before the key fixture. However, other players such as French defender Benjamin Pavard and Alejandro Balde will not be available for the game in Milan.
Argentinian forward and team leader Lautaro Martinez was forced off at halftime during the first leg due to a muscular issue, but is surprisingly poised for an incredibly swift return for the second leg. After participating in training with the team for the first time on Monday, he is expected to be named in the starting lineup. In contrast, French defender Benjamin Pavard did not train with the squad during Monday`s final full session before the semifinal and will consequently miss Tuesday`s match.
Match Information and Betting Odds
- 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 Martinez is anticipated to start, Barcelona faces similar availability issues, as Alejandro Balde has not recovered in time and is absent from the squad list for the game. Despite this, manager Flick will have his main goalscorer Robert Lewandowski available once more. Commenting on the Polish striker, the former Bayern Munich coach stated, “It might be prudent for Lewandowski to start from the bench after his injury, but he is prepared for that role. If necessary, he can be brought on. We will assess whether he can start against Real Madrid [in La Liga over the weekend].”
Inter coach Simone Inzaghi also provided an update on his players` condition, remarking, “Lautaro and Pavard possess great motivation, but we will need to evaluate their current state. Lautaro has been out for a week. We will make the most suitable decision after assessing them.” Should Pavard be unavailable on Tuesday, German defender Yann Bisseck is expected to fill his position, mirroring the lineup from the first leg in Barcelona.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Inter Expected XI: Yann Sommer; Yann Bisseck, Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni; Denzel Dumfries, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Federico Dimarco; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.
FC Barcelona Expected XI: Wojciech Szczesny, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Raphinha, Ferran Torres.
