Barcelona will have Lewandowski available against Inter Milan but Hansi Flick faces major defensive headaches with first-choice full-backs ruled out
Barcelona’s hopes of reaching their first Champions League final in a decade have been buoyed by the inclusion of Robert Lewandowski in the squad for Tuesday’s semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.
The Polish striker, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid April, has made a swift recovery and is expected to be available for selection, albeit likely starting from the bench.
Lewandowski’s return comes at a crucial time for Barcelona, who are also grappling with a depleted defence. Left-back Alejandro Balde has not been included in the travelling squad due to a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in the match against Leganes in April. Sources from the club say it is hoped he can be fit for the upcoming El Clasico. Jules Kounde went off injured in the first leg, so he will not be travelling to face Inter either.
In both players’ absence, manager Hansi Flick is expected to make significant adjustments to the backline. Iñigo Martínez is likely to be deployed at left-back, while Eric Garcia could fill in on the right, with Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi then anchoring the central defence.
The match against Inter Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday follows a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg at Montjuic. Barcelona will need to overcome their defensive challenges and use their red-hot attack to secure a spot in the final. A Lewandowski return could be a significant boost in that sense.
