Champions League: Barcelona good and bad news for Inter showdown | OneFootball

There is mixed news for Barcelona ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Inter, as while Robert Lewandowski is back in training, Alejandro Balde looks like he will miss out.

The first leg was a thrilling 3-3 encounter in Catalunya, meaning qualification for the Final all goes down to Tuesday’s showdown at San Siro.

Both teams have plenty of injury problems to deal with and risk missing some key star names.

Barcelona were already without Lewandowski for the first leg after a hamstring injury, but the centre-forward returned to training today for the first time in two weeks and could reportedly make a 25-30 minute cameo against Inter.

Lewandowski back, but Balde out for Barcelona

VALLADOLID, SPAIN – MAY 03: Hansi Flick, Head Coach of FC Barcelona, looks on prior to the LaLiga match between Real Valladolid CF and FC Barcelona at Jose Zorrilla on May 03, 2025 in Valladolid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The bad news is in defence, because Alejandro Balde was expected to be back in the side for Tuesday, but reports from AS suggest he is not going to even make the squad.

It forces coach Hansi Flick into creating a new defence, as he is already missing Jules Koundé, Marc Casadó, Marc Bernal and Pablo Torre.

Potential Barca options amid crisis

BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale scores his team’s first goal whilst under pressure from Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

There are even suggestions Barca could switch to a four-man defence due to the total lack of alternatives at left wing-back.

Another alternative would be to put Inigo Martinez there, having taken on the role during the second half against Inter.

Inigo Martinez and Eric Garcia are both central defenders by trade, but could be moved out left in times of need.