Huge boost: Robert Lewandowski is ready to aid Barcelona’s quest to reach the Champions League final
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Barcelona are boosted by the return of Robert Lewandowski for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan.
Lewandowski has missed their last four games with a hamstring injury, including last week’s thrilling 3-3 first leg draw, but is fit again and has been included in the 23-man Barcelona squad that has travelled to Milan.
The striker may have to settle for a place on the bench, as Barcelona boss Hansi Flick also has one eye on Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid.
"We've spoke yesterday and everything is going the right way, and (Lewandowski) is good,” Flick said at his pre-match press conference. “Much better than we expected, and he's ready for the bench.
“So when we need him, maybe he can come in.”
Wojciech Szczesny will continue in goal as Marc-Andre ter Stegen has not been named in the squad despite making his return to action in the 2-1 win over Real Valladolid at the weekend.
First-choice full-backs Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde miss out through injury, meaning Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin are likely to deputise at right-back and left-back respectively.
Eric Garcia is likely to deputise for Jules Kounde
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Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are expected to start after playing a half each at the weekend, while Dani Olmo is set to reclaim the No10 role despite Fermin Lopez scoring the winner against Valladolid.
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In attack, Raphinha and in-form Lamine Yamal are set to start to start on the flanks with Ferran Torres leading the line once again as he looks to repeat his heroics from the Copa del Rey final second leg.
Predicted Barcelona XI: Szczesny; Eric, Cubarsi, Martinez, Martin; Pedri, de Jong; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Ferran
Injured: Balde, Kounde, Bernal, Casado
Time and date: 8pm BST on Tuesday May 6, 2025
How to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Venue: San Siro
Referee: Szymon Marciniak