Lewandowski To Start On Bench Against Inter In Champions League Clash, Says Flick

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Hansi Flick has decided not to start Robert Lewandowski in Barcelona's Champions League match against Inter. The 36-year-old forward, who has scored 40 goals for Barcelona this season, was absent from the team's last four matches due to injury. He sustained this injury during a 4-3 win over Celta Vigo on April 19, causing him to miss the Copa del Rey final and the first leg against Inter.

Barcelona's prospects of reaching their first Champions League final in ten years are boosted by Lewandowski's return. The team drew 3-3 in the first leg, and his presence could be crucial. However, they will be without key full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde due to injuries. Flick hinted at using centre-backs Ronald Araujo and Eric Garcia in wider positions or relying on young players Hector Fort or Gerard Martin.

The absence of Kounde and Balde presents a significant challenge for Flick, especially after struggling against Inter's counter-attacks in the first leg. Denzel Dumfries scored twice and provided an assist during that match. Flick mentioned that adjustments might be necessary to improve their defense. "As a coaching staff, we analyse everything," he said, emphasizing the need for tactical changes.

Flick plans to use Lewandowski from the bench at San Siro on Tuesday. "We've spoke yesterday and everything is going the right way, and [Lewandowski] is good," Flick stated. "Much better than we expected, and he's ready for the bench. So when we need him, maybe he can come in." Lewandowski is just one goal away from scoring his 100th for Barcelona.

Domestically, Barcelona remains unbeaten since late December and leads LaLiga with 79 points, four ahead of Real Madrid. After facing Inter, they will host Madrid in a crucial LaLiga match that could determine the league title on Sunday. According to Opta's supercomputer, Barcelona has a 55% chance of reaching the Champions League final and a 27% probability of winning it.

Their chances of securing the LaLiga title stand at an impressive 86.7%. Despite these promising statistics, Flick acknowledges that football involves many complexities. "Football is really complex," he noted. "It has to do with everything...the player but we have to find the right idea of how we want to play."

Flick did not disclose his exact strategy for replacing Kounde and Balde but stressed that any changes must be effective both tactically and in terms of player performance on the field.