Injury Woes – Two Key Barcelona Players Likely To Miss Champions League Second Leg Vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski will both miss the second leg of the Champions League semifinal tie between Inter Milan and Barcelona.

This according to Spanish outlet MundoDeportivo, via FCInterNews. They report that the duo are prioritizing a return against Real Madrid in El Clasico.

Inter Milan host Barcelona in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal tie on Tuesday.

And both sides have a couple notable injury worries.

Inter are likely to be without Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard unless they can race back to fitness.

Meanwhile, Barcelona defender Jules Kounde will miss the decisive second leg clash. The Frenchman suffered a knee injury during this week’s first leg.

Alejandro Balde Unlikely To Return For Inter Milan Vs Barcelona Second Leg

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 05: Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis Balompie at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 05, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

But according to Mundo Deportivo, it is not just Kounde who will miss next Tuesday’s match.

Firstly, the Spanish outlet report, it is looking increasingly unlikely that left-back Alejandro Balde will be able to return.

The 21-year-old has been on the sidelines since a league match against Leganes last month.

Therefore, Gerard Martin has been filling in for Balde. He started in Wednesday’s first leg against Inter.

Balde will do everything he can to return for the second leg.

However, reports MD, the Spanish international is almost certain not to feature.

Lewandowski Still Out – Targeting Return Vs Real Madrid Rather Than Inter

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 19: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona goes down with an injury during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 19, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is also still on the sidelines with a thigh injury.

The Pole is certainly a big miss for Barcelona. He is their top scorer for the third season running.

Ferran Torres started in the first leg against Inter in Lewandowski’s place.

And despite Lewandowski’s best efforts, reports MD, the 36-year-old has little hope of returning for the second leg.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has no intention of rushing either Balde or Lewandowski back.

The Blaugranas still have important matches to come in the La Liga title race. Not least against Real Madrid next weekend.

Therefore, Flick won’t take risks with key players’ fitness. Balde and Lewandowski will both target returns against Real.