Key Injuries, Predicted Lineups & Match Preview for the Champions League Semi-Final Second Leg Clash on May 6.
Inter Milan are set to welcome Barcelona at San Siro for the decisive second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final. The first leg ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Now the two giants will clash in Milan with a place in the final on the line. Inter’s resilient defence will again face Barcelona’s electric attack.
On the other hand, Nerazzurri’s attack didn’t disappoint last day either. Even though they don’t have Lautaro Martinez, Barcelona’s backline is also missing some key players. With injuries and expected rotations to set the tone of the game, this promises to be another unforgettable encounter.
Inter Milan are boasting a 15 home game unbeaten streak in the Champions League. Now they aim to book their spot in the final and win it this time since losing the one two years ago to Manchester City in 2022-23 season. The Nerazzurri’s experience and San Siro dominance make them a formidable force in this leg.
Even though they squandered a two-goal lead in the first leg, they remain the favourites in the return leg. Barcelona, meanwhile, remain in contention for a treble under Hansi Flick. They will also be buoyed by their attacking firepower, especially with the return of Robert Lewandowski. With 40 goals in the competition so far, the Catalan club are closing in on their all-time seasonal record of 45 goals.
Also Read: Raphinha Reveals He Nearly Played for Italy at Euro 2020
Inter’s key concern lies with Lautaro Martinez at this point. The Argentine is racing against time to recover from a hamstring injury. However it seems he may still be unavailable. Either Marko Arnautovic or Mehdi Taremi could start the match in his place. Defender Benjamin Pavard is another injury doubt.
On the brighter side, Hakan Calhanoglu returns after a domestic suspension, boosting the midfield. On the other hand, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Denzel Dumfries, Yann Sommer, and Marcus Thuram are all expected to return to the starting XI after being rested during Inter’s narrow Series A win over Verona in the weekend.
Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Bisseck; Dimarco, Mkhitaryan, Calhanoglu, Barella, Dumfries; Thuram, Arnautovic
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Hansi Flick also opted for heavy rotation in the weekend clash against Valladolid. He started Marc-Andre ter Stegen who made his return from a long-term injury. Key figures like Pau Cubarsi, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal also didn’t start the match. However, they should also return to the XI for the San Siro showdown.
On the other hand, full-backs Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde remain sidelined with injuries. There’s cautious optimism around Robert Lewandowski’s condition, as the Polish striker nears full fitness. He may be included on the bench, come on as a substitute for this crucial encounter, but may not start the game.
Szczesny; Martinez, Cubarsi, Araujo, Garcia; Pedri, De Jong; Raphinha, Olmo, Yamal; Torres
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