The opening leg of the Champions League semi-final clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan concluded in an electrifying 3-3 draw, a game filled with thrilling moments and relentless attacking football from both teams. With no clear winner yet, the tie remains finely balanced as the decisive second leg approaches.
Scheduled to take place next Tuesday at the iconic Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, fans from both clubs and football enthusiasts alike eagerly await the outcome that will determine which side progresses to the coveted Champions League final.
As the countdown to the crucial fixture continues, Barcelona finds itself dealing with both excitement and anxiety regarding the fitness of two of their vital players — Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski. These concerns add an extra layer of uncertainty for the Catalan giants as they prepare for one of their most significant matches of the season.
According to a recent report from Spanish outlet AS, young left-back Alejandro Balde is showing positive signs in his recovery from a hamstring injury he picked up against Leganés on April 12. Initially expected to be sidelined for three weeks, Balde’s rehabilitation has been progressing faster than anticipated.
Medical updates suggest he might resume training with the main squad this week. There’s even a possibility he could be given a brief run-out in Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga fixture against Real Valladolid, which would serve as a fitness test ahead of the high-stakes match in Milan.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding prolific striker Robert Lewandowski is a bit more uncertain. The Polish forward, who leads Barcelona’s scoring charts this season with an impressive 40 goals, suffered a similar hamstring issue during the April 19 encounter against Celta Vigo. Though his recovery timeline was also estimated at three weeks, doubts remain about his readiness for Tuesday’s clash.
Despite lingering concerns, Barcelona’s medical and coaching staff are keeping their options open. Plans are in place to travel with Lewandowski to Milan on Monday, giving the team the flexibility to include him in the matchday squad if his condition allows.
Even if he isn’t fit enough to start, there’s a chance he could be named among the substitutes and make an appearance in the latter stages of the match, should circumstances require his involvement.
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