Star striker Lautaro Martinez potentially sidelined for matchup against Barcelona due to injury
Score a Substitute: Martinez's Injury Doubts for Inter's Return Match Against Barcelona
Lautaro Martinez was victims of an extended flexor muscle injury in his left thigh during the first Champions League semi-final against Barcelona[1][4]. The club has revealed daily assessments are being conducted to monitor his progress. There's a sketchy recovery timeline of 5-7 days[1], making his appearance for the second leg on Tuesday a question mark.
In the worst-case scenario, Martinez may miss the return leg entirely. However, he could make the squad and come on as a last-minute substitute in the best-case scenario.
Inter Milan's coach, Simone Inzaghi, expressed concerns about Martinez's excessive workload; as other forwards got injured, he played eight consecutive games. This season, the Inter captain has played 47 games and scored 21 goals[4].
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Insights:
Lautaro Martinez's injury involves an elongation of the flexor muscles in his left thigh[1][4]. Despite initial assessments suggesting that the injury isn't serious, Sky Sport Italia notes that full recovery typically takes around a week[4]. However, some reports suggest he might make the bench as a last-minute option[4]. Inter's coach, Simone Inzaghi, worries about rotation limitations and fatigue contributing to Martinez's injury[4]. Tempering these worries, it's worth noting that Martinez has been crucial to the squad this season, scoring 21 goals[4]. Martinez, who is determined to recover[1], has a slim chance of playing in the second leg, with the decision largely resting on daily evaluations[2][4].
- Bookmakers across sports and football leagues, including the Champions League and European leagues, are assessing Lautaro Martinez's injury status, considering his potential absence in Inter Milan's return match against Barcelona.
- With Lautaro Martinez possibly missing the second leg against Barcelona due to a flexor muscle injury, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are concerned about Neymar's potential replacement in case of Mbappe's absence for their upcoming clash.
- Amidst fears of squad rotation limitations and fatigue, reputable sources like Sky Sport Italia suggest that Lautaro Martinez could make the bench as a last-minute option for Inter Milan's return match against Barcelona.
- Despite Lautaro Martinez's injury worries, his determinative mindset and crucial role in the Inter Milan squad this season (scoring 21 goals) continue to instill confidence in the club's hopes of progressing in the Champions League.
- Football pundits such as Kanchelsis are analyzing the impact of Lautaro Martinez's injury on Inter Milan's Champions League prospects while also assessing the potential performances of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.
