Inter Milan striker could now likely miss the second leg against Barcelona – Report | OneFootball

The recent clash between FC Barcelona and Inter Milan was certainly one for the ages. Both the Catalan giants and the Italian side were fighting until the very last second, even at the cost of players like Jules Kounde and Lautaro Martinez. Ultimately, however, both Barcelona and Inter Milan ended up sharing the spoils with a 3-3 score-line.

Now, everything depends on what happens in the second leg at the San Siro. For both teams, it will be a final before the actual final itself at the Allianz Arena. Thus, it becomes imperative for both Hansi Flick and Simone Inzaghi to have their best players rested and ready to deliver at their best level.

Unfortunately for both teams, there were certain casualties in this game that they just played. French defender Jules Kounde was injured, and it is now unlikely that he will be back for Barcelona in that second leg. Moreover, a certain Argentinian striker is now a massive doubt for Inter Milan as well heading into that second fixture.

Jules Kounde in action during Barcelona vs Inter Milan. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

According to SPORT, 27-year-old Argentinian striker Lautaro Martinez was taken off during the game as well and did not return to the pitch following the half-time break due to an injury he suffered. Unfortunately for him, the injury looks a little more serious than just a minor problem that he can just shake off.

Early results and diagnosis point towards a flexor strain, and depending on how severe it ends up being it could even rule him out for the entire season. However, over at Inter Milan, there is very little hope that he could potentially end up featuring in the second leg at the San Siro.

At the moment, however, it is extremely unlikely that he will return in time for the second-leg itself considering the fact that he is already fully ruled out for their next game against Hellas Verona, and no playing time there could mean that he will likely not get to feature against Barcelona either.

An undisputed leader for the Italian giants, Martinez offers quality on the pitch and off it as well. While he did not particular shine in this recent game against Barcelona, he has showcased time and time again this season that he has the quality to show up in crucial moments and deliver goals.

However, that does not make Inter Milan an easier opponent for Barcelona to deal with. Even without the Argentinian striker, Simone Inzaghi’s side have the quality and experience to hurt Hansi Flick’s young team and that is something that will have to be kept in mind for the second leg.