Barcelona welcome key superstar back in training ahead of Benfica clash | OneFootball

FC Barcelona face a crucial encounter on Tuesday as they take on Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 tie.

After securing a hard-fought 0-1 victory in Lisbon, the Blaugrana will aim to build on that result and secure their place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

This morning, Hansi Flick led the team’s final training session ahead of the decisive match. As usual, the session took place at the Tito Vilanova pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.

The players and coaching staff arrived on the pitch 40 minutes later than scheduled, as they first held a video analysis session to study their opponents.

Robert Lewandowski back for the big game

Heading into the game, Hansi Flick has almost the entire squad available at his disposal, including Robert Lewandowski, confirms SPORT.

Training normally. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The Polish striker was left out of the squad for the match against Osasuna, which was postponed following the passing of first-team doctor Carles Minarro.

Lewandowski was not going to feature in that match, as he was being rested over the weekend due to muscle fatigue. This precaution was taken to ensure he would be in peak condition for the Champions League clash.

The forward has trained normally both on Sunday and Monday, and he is now expected to start on Tuesday evening against Benfica.

Who will be absent?

While Lewandowski’s return is a boost, Barcelona will still be without three key injured players: Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, and Marc Bernal.

In addition, Pau Cubarsi will miss out after being sent off in the first leg in Lisbon.

Meanwhile, as has been the case in recent weeks, Diego Kochen trained alongside Wojciech Szczesny and Inaki Pena and will serve as the team’s third-choice goalkeeper for the match.