Champions League, Barcelona: Lewandowski likely to start on the bench against Inter

Milan, May 5 (LaPresse) – Hansi Flick has laid all his cards on the table in Valladolid, revealing his plans for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Inter. The German coach – writes Mundo Deportivo – has a very clear starting lineup and will have a top-tier weapon at his disposal: Robert Lewandowski returned to training with the group yesterday, two weeks after his injury. He will fly to Italy today but will not start the match. Ferran Torres will be the starting number 9, especially after resting the entire game against Real Valladolid, but the Polish striker could prove decisive in the second half. In defense, Alejandro Balde will not be able to play against Simone Inzaghi’s team. Lewandowski, who has scored 11 goals in this Champions League and is one short of 100 with Barcelona, suffered a setback against Celta on April 19, when he was forced off in the 73rd minute due to a semitendinosus muscle injury in his left thigh. A model professional, Lewandowski missed the first leg against Inter but has worked hard to be ready for this key Champions League clash. Aside from Ferran, the rest of the Blaugrana starting eleven is fairly clear. Szczesny is confirmed in goal, with Eric Garcia favored to play right-back in place of the injured Koundé, and Cubarsí and Iñigo Martínez – unused on Saturday – in central defense. On the left flank, Gerard Martín appears to be the favorite, despite being the only player to play all 90 minutes in Valladolid and being substituted in the second half of the first leg. In midfield, Pedri and De Jong are confirmed, both having played 45 minutes in the league, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings and, in principle, Olmo as the attacking midfielder.