MILAN, ITALY – May 5, 2025 – Inter Milan go face Barcelona for the Champions League semifinal second leg without their key defender, Benjamin Pavard. Reports from Sky Sport Italia confirm that the 29-year-old is still battling ankle issues and won’t join the squad for this crucial match.
Pavard sustained an ankle sprain during Inter’s Serie A match against Roma last week. Because of this injury, he missed the first leg against Barcelona, which ended in an exhilarating 3-3 draw. Yann Bisseck stepped in for Pavard in that match, and will likely do so again tomorrow.
Despite some early optimism about Pavard’s recovery, he could not shake off the discomfort during today’s training session and had to leave early. Inter’s coach Simone Inzaghi has decided it’s not worth the risk, sticking with Bisseck in defense for this vital encounter against the Blaugranas.
“We need our players at their best, especially in knockout stages,” Inzaghi explained. “We’ll have to rely on the strength of our squad and the experience of our players.”
For Barcelona, the news is a mixed bag. Robert Lewandowski has returned to the squad for the first time since picking up a muscle injury during a La Liga match against Celta Vigo last month. His inclusion gives Barcelona a significant boost ahead of the clash, although his fitness remains uncertain.
The club also confirmed that Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde won’t travel with the team due to injuries. Balde had been working hard to get fit but couldn’t make the cut while Kounde continues to recover from a knee problem sustained in the first leg.
Barcelona’s squad depth will be tested as they prepare to take on Inter, who are eager to advance past the semifinals. “It’s all or nothing,” said Barcelona’s head coach, Xavi. “Both teams have opportunities, and it will depend on who takes theirs.”
The kick-off is set for tomorrow at the iconic San Siro stadium, and both fans and players expect a thrilling encounter that could lead either side to the Champions League final.
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