Uncertainty surrounds Inter captain Lautaro Martínez's participation in the upcoming Champions League semi-finals due to his current injury.
Barcelona hosts Inter Milan in a eagerly-awaited Champions League semi-final second leg, with doubts surrounding the participation of Argentine striker Lautaro Martínez. The World Cup winner sustained an injury to his left thigh, forcing him off at halftime in the first leg, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Martínez was replaced by Mehdi Taremi after appearing distressed and in pain. Medical assessments suggest the injury isn't a serious muscular strain or tear, but rather an elongation of the flexor muscles. This injury presents a better prognosis for a quicker recovery. Inter Coach Simone Inzaghi expressed his concerns about Martinez's availability for the return leg, stating, "It'll be very difficult to have him for the return leg. We'll probably have to play without our captain."
Having scored 21 goals and provided six assists this season, Martinez's absence would be a significant loss for Inter. The first leg saw an exciting back-and-forth match, with Marcus Thuram, returning from injury, and Denzel Dumfries putting Inter 2-0 up in the first 21 minutes. However, Barcelona came back, with Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres equalizing for the home team at 38' and 46', respectively. Dumfries scored again after halftime, but Raphinha's shot hit the crossbar and rebounded off Inter keeper Yann Sommer into the net, giving Barcelona a narrow 3-3 advantage.
The return leg takes place next Tuesday at the San Siro. The winner will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in Munich on May 31st. PSG leads 1-0 against Arsenal following the first leg in London. Although recent updates suggest Martinez may return from injury sooner than expected, his participation in the second leg remains undecided. His progress will be closely monitored between now and the match.
The average number of goals scored by Martinez this season in sports events like the Champions League is significant for Inter Milan, given his contributions of 21 goals and 6 assists. However, the potential absence of their captain, Martinez, due to an injury, leaves Inter Coach Simone Inzaghi contemplating alternative strategies for the upcoming Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
