Inter Milan have confirmed striker Lautaro Martinez has suffered a hamstring injury, leaving him a major doubt for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
Martinez, who has scored 21 goals across all competitions this season, was forced off at half-time during the thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg. Fears over a significant injury were confirmed by the club, who now face the daunting task of potentially being without their top scorer for the decisive return fixture at the Camp Nou.
While Inter have refused to set a specific recovery timeline, they acknowledged Martinez will be assessed “day by day.” However, reports from Italy suggest the Argentina international would require a “miracle” to be fully fit in time. Even if he recovers, he is only expected to make the bench.
The news comes as a blow to Inter, who have leaned heavily on Martinez’s form in Europe — the forward had scored in five consecutive Champions League matches before the first-leg stalemate.
Barcelona have injury problems of their own, with right-back Jules Kounde already ruled out of the second leg after coming off injured in the first half last week. The Frenchman is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks.
In more positive news for the Catalans, manager Hansi Flick confirmed goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will return this weekend after a lengthy absence, while Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde remain in contention for Tuesday’s clash.
The tie remains delicately poised, but both sides will be reshuffling key pieces in pursuit of a Champions League final berth.
