Inter Milan vs Barcelona Playing XI: Will Lewandowski Play Today? Injuries and Predicted Lineup for UCL Semi-final

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In the second leg of the UCL semi-final, Inter Milan will host Barcelona at San Siro in Milan, Spain, on Tuesday (May 6). If Barcelona win this fixture, it will be their first UCL final after a decade, and for Milan, it will be their second final within three seasons.

As Barcelona gears up to face Inter Milan, all eyes are on manager Hansi Flick and how he sets up his side amidst a series of injuries. The first leg ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium, setting the stage for a tense encounter at the San Siro. With a place in the final on the line, Flick is expected to balance tactical solidity with attacking flair.

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Will Robert Lewandowski Play Today?

Due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 4-3 win over Celta Vigo, Lewandowski has been sidelined for the last four matches, including last week’s first-leg draw in Barcelona.

However, Lewandowski trained with the squad on Sunday and after being given the all-clear to return to action, he was included in the 23-man squad that travelled to Milan on Monday for the huge game.

Despite his return, the Polish striker is expected to start on the bench and may be used as an impact substitute if needed later in the game. This is because Hansi Flick will also be focused on the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday, which could be a La Liga title decider.

At the pre-match press conference, Flick said, \"We\'ve spoken yesterday and everything is going the right way, and (Lewandowski) is good…Much better than we expected, and he\'s ready for the bench”. “So when we need him, maybe he can come in,” he added.

Hence, Barcelona will have Robert Lewandowski back for tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Injury Updates

Injuries to several key players remain a concern for Barcelona. Jules Kounde, who played in the first leg, is ruled out with a hamstring injury, significantly weakening Barcelona’s defensive depth. Alejandro Balde also remains sidelined due to a lingering hamstring issue forcing a central defender to cover in that position.

In the midfield, Marc Casado and Pablo Torre both are unavailable due to injuries. Their absence limits Flick’s ability to rotate and could affect the team\'s stamina if the match extends into extra time. Despite these challenges, the return of key players like De Jong and the form of younger players such as Yamal provide reasons for optimism.

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Probable Playing XI

Wojciech Szczesny is set to continue as the first-choice goalkeeper as Marc-Andre ter Stegen has not been included in the squad despite his return in the last La Liga match against Real Valladolid. The backline is likely to consist of Ronald Araujo and Pau Cubarsi at the heart of the defence, flanked by Eric Garcia on the right and Inigo Martinez on the left. With both first-choice fullbacks unavailable, Flick may resort to using four natural centre-backs in a makeshift defensive formation to counter Inter’s physical playing style.

The midfield trio could feature Frenkie de Jong, who has returned to full fitness, alongside Pedri and Dani Olmo. De Jong’s return will add crucial stability and playmaking ability to the Barcelona midfield. This combination is likely to be key in controlling the tempo of the match and protecting the backline.

In the attack, Barcelona is expected to field Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the flanks, with Ferran Torres possibly leading the line if Robert Lewandowski remains sidelined.

Inter Milan vs Barcelona: Predicted Line-up

Barcelona Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1): Wojciech Szczesny; Inigo Martinez, Pau Cubarsi, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong; Raphinha, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal; Ferran Torres