Barcelona receive mixed injury news ahead of Inter Milan clash: Lewandowski in, €60 million-rated player out – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are now set to travel to Italy as they are set to face off against Inter Milan. For La Blaugrana, that match will arguably be their most important game of the season so far. Just one step away from a potential final, and Barcelona know that they can get there.

However, heading into the game itself, there are definitely certain complications to address. By resting most of his regular starters against Real Valladolid in Barça’s most recent game, Hansi Flick did the best he could to enable his key players to come into the game at the San Siro with fresh legs.

Unfortunately, however, Barcelona will be missing some key players due to injury as well. One such player will be Jules Kounde, as the Frenchman suffered an injury during the first leg against Inter Milan and it is far too early for him to even think about a possible return just yet.

Mixed news for Barcelona

However, there are two key players who were already in recovery since before that and it was hoped that they would both be back in time for this Champions League clash. Unfortunately for Barcelona, however, it seems that only one of them will be able to make the trip to San Siro.

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde were both pushing to be available for this crucial Champions League clash. In reality, however, only one of the two players will likely end up making the trip to Italy.

Robert Lewandowski will likely be available for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

That player would reportedly be the 36-year-old Polish centre-forward, as Lewandowski has managed to recover just in time to be part of the squad that travels to face off against Inter Milan. While the plan is still to start Ferran Torres, the Pole can come off the bench in the second half if Barcelona need him.

He was originally sidelined back in April during the game against Celta Vigo, and has been recovering ever since. Now, finally, the Barcelona ace can mark his return to action by having some level of participation in the upcoming UCL clash.

Just too early for Alejandro Balde

Unfortunately for Alejandro Balde, however, it is still too early. The chances of a relapse or him aggravating his injury are still too high for the club to take that risk reportedly, and Hansi Flick seems to want to make sure that he is fully recovered for the final stretch of the season.

As an explosive player, it makes sense as to why the chances of a relapse could be higher with the €60 million-rated left-back, as per his Transfermarkt valuation. Still, that is a major blow to Barcelona considering the fact that Alejandro Balde was supposed to provide a lot more quality to the team on the left flank, and Hansi Flick will now have to make some big decisions regarding his team.