GdS: Lautaro Martinez not ruled out yet for Barcelona as Inter hold on to slim hope | OneFootball

Lautaro Martinez faces a race against time to recover for Inter’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, but La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the condition of his thigh ‘continues to improve’.

The Argentine striker was forced off midway through the first leg at Montjuïc last Wednesday, with subsequent tests confirming an elongation of the flexor muscles in his left thigh.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale warms up with teammate Denzel Dumfries prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

GdS: Inter not ruling out miraculous Lautaro Martinez recovery for Barcelona clash

Given the short turnaround between the two Champions League clashes, his chances of recovery have always been slim. However, La Gazzetta notes that Lautaro Martinez would be ready to push through if there were even the slightest chance of playing without risking a more serious injury, such as a muscle tear.

Sunday will be a decisive day to reassess his condition and determine whether he could be fit enough to resume training with the squad on Monday.

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 16: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between FC Internazionale Milano and FC Bayern München at San Siro on April 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Inter are also reportedly considering including Lautaro on the bench, with the possibility of giving him minutes in the second half if needed. As captain and emotional leader of the team, his presence—however limited—could still prove influential.

In his absence, Mehdi Taremi is expected to start alongside Marcus Thuram in attack. Coach Simone Inzaghi is likely to rest both players in Saturday’s Serie A clash against Verona, where Joaquin Correa and Marko Arnautovic are set to lead the frontline.