Huge Injury Update Ahead Of Inter Milan Vs Barcelona Showdown: Ex Bayern Munich Superstar Called Up, Spain International Out
Robert Lewandowski has been called up for the Barcelona squad to face Inter Milan, while Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde are out.
The Blaugranas have released their official squad list for the Champions League semifinal second leg. Lewandowski's name is certainly the most notable inclusion, whilst Balde's absence is a blow.
Advertisement
Barcelona travel to Inter to take on Inter Milan in an all-important Champions League semifinal second leg tomorrow.
The first leg last Wednesday was a thrilling 3-3 draw. That has set up a marquee second leg in which both sides will feel they have every chance of reaching the final.
Therefore, the fitness of key players will be all-important.
In the case of Inter, the news looks to be positive. Reports today indicate that both Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard will be able to start.
For Barcelona, meanwhile, the news looks to be a little more mixed.
Lewandowski Called Up For Barcelona Vs Inter – Balde & Kounde Out
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)
The big piece of positive news for Barcelona is that 36-year-old former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski is in the squad.
Advertisement
The Pole will be in a matchday squad for the first time since he picked up a muscle injury during Barcelona's La Liga clash with Celta Vigo last month.
Lewandowski had missed the first leg against Inter.
It remains to be seen what Lewandowski's exact condition will be. Reports suggest that the Polish international will not be ready to start tomorrow's match.
Nevertheless, having the 36-year-old available at all certainly represents a major boost.
On the other hand, Barcelona will be without left-back Alejandro Balde.
Balde had already missed the first leg on Wednesday. And he had done all he could to get back to fitness for tomorrow's leg.
However, the 21-year-old Spanish international has not recovered in time. Therefore, he has not even travelled with the Blaugranas squad.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ozzy Osbourne Wanted ‘Some Pranks' and 'Justin Bieber' to Be Played at His Funeral in Resurfaced Article
"There'll be no harping on the bad times," Osbourne, who died on July 22, said in a 2011 articleNEED TO KNOW Ozzy Osbourne quipped that he wanted "some pranks" and "Justin Bieber" to be played at his funeral in a response to a fan's question about funeral planning from 2011 Osbourne, who died on July 22, said, "There'll be no harping on the bad times" In 2022, the Prince of Darkness told PEOPLE that "survival" is his legacyOzzy Osbourne had some ideas for his funeral when he mused about it 14 years ago. In a 2011 "Dr. Ozzy Osbourne" column response for The Times, the Prince of Darkness answered a fan's question about what he wanted his funeral to look like. "Is it too morbid to plan your own funeral?" the fan wrote in, "or is it a thoughtful gift for your surviving relatives, like when Peter Sellers asked for Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood' to be played during the service? (His final joke: Everyone knew he hated the song.)" Osbourne, who died on July 22 at 76 years old, had a thoughtful and lighthearted response to the "morbid" question. "I honestly don't care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes 'em happy," he began, "but I do want to make sure it's a celebration, not a mope-fest." "I'd also like some pranks: maybe the sound of knocking inside the coffin; or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death,' " the Black Sabbath musician quipped. "There'll be no harping on the bad times." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "So to answer your question, yes, a bit of planning is the right thing to do for the family you leave behind. It's worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives." "So by any measure, most of us in this country — especially rock stars like me — are very lucky," he concluded. "That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad. I want it to be a time to say 'thanks.' " In a 2002 interview with Rolling Stone, the publication asked what he'd want on his epitaph when he's gone. "Just 'Ozzy Osbourne, born 1948, died so-and-so,' " he said. "I've done a lot for a simple working-class guy. I made a lot of people smile. I've also made a lot of people go, 'Who the f--- does this guy think he is?' I guarantee that if I was to die tonight, tomorrow it would be, 'Ozzy Osbourne, the man who bit the head off a bat, died in his hotel room…' I know that's coming." "But I've got no complaints. At least I'll be remembered," added Osbourne. More recently, the "Crazy Train" singer spoke about death and how he wanted to be remembered in his final interview with PEOPLE in 2022. "Survival is my legacy," he said at the time. 'I mean, I'm 73. People go, 'Well, you're 70… why don't I throw the towel in?' Why should I? People still want to buy my records. People still want to see me, so why should I? It motivates me to get off my backside and do something." "I mean, if my career had gone down the toilet and I knew it was the end, I'd be pretty miserable." The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! As for what he hoped his legacy would represent for others, Osbourne said, "Never give up. If you've got a passion for something, you've got to find a way around it to carry on the passion." Read the original article on People
Yahoo
42 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Christian Totti, Son of Italy Legend Francesco Totti, Retires at 19
Pressures of famous surname push young striker to early retirement from football Christian Totti, Son of Italy Legend Francesco Totti, Retires at 19 In a shocking development, Christian Totti son of AS Roma legend Francesco Totti has officially announced his retirement from football at just 19 years old. "Enough is enough" - A career cut short Italian newspaper La Nuova broke the news with the headline: "Enough! I'm quitting football" When contacted, Christian confirmed: "I can't say much. Yes I've retired. It's decision I've made". The young forward reportedly struggled for years under the weight of his father's legendary status which brought constant pressure, high expectations and intense media scrutiny. Unfulfilled journey across multiple clubs Christian began his youth career with AS Roma's U17 team but saw limited minutes , just 15 minute across two U18 appearances. He later moved to Frosinone Primavera, scoring once in 4 match before brief stint at Rayo Vallecano in Spain in early 2024. His most recent experiences included short spells with Avezzano & Olbia in Italy's 4th division. However recurring media criticism and online chatter about his fitness led him to distance himself from the game altogether. Italian journalist Paolo Ardovino dismissed criticism of the young Totti's physical condition, stating: "He's always been naturally fit like most professional players" Former coach Marco Amelia who worked with him at Frosinone, added: "He'd the potential to build great career if given more minutes in lower tier teams. But his father's name weighed heavily on him" A new path: nurturing future talent Christian won't leave football completely. He'll now work at his father's football academy, run by Francesco's brother Riccardo Tott alongside general manager Claudio Dolis focusing on scouting and developing young talents.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
England: Sarina Wiegman hails Hannah Hampton's Euro 2025 'fairytale'
Sarina Wiegman has hailed Hannah Hampton's journey at Euro 2025 as a 'fairytale'. Hampton enjoyed an incredible tournament after being made England's No1 on the eve of the Euros, with Mary Earps retiring. Hampton excelled throughout the Euros and was named player of the match in the final, saving two penalties as England beat Spain. And asked about Hampton's tournament, Wiegman said: 'Every player has their one story and journey and hers has been incredible. 'Starting the tournament and losing the first game, there was so much riding on every game, we had five finals. 'She had to step up and I think she has been amazing. It's a little bit like a fairytale to stop those two penalties in the final.' England's final victory over Spain was in keeping with their run during the knockout stages as they edged another rollercoaster game. Spain took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Mariona Caldentey, but the Lionesses fought back. Alessia Russo equalised early in the second half, heading home Chloe Kelly's cross, and England battled their way to extra-time. Hampton's heroics got England over the line and Wiegman says she always had faith that the Lionesses would be European champions. 'To be honest, tonight I didn't have that,' said Wiegman, when asked if she had any doubts that England could go all the way. 'I had a couple of times in the Sweden game and the Italy game and I thought: 'We might keep going home tomorrow'. 'But we still had a couple of minutes to go, it's getting tight. But it's not a lack of belief, it's like... we're getting really close now. We had to score. 'And against Sweden, of course, when we had the penalty shootout, when we missed a couple of penalties, we were lucky that they missed theirs.'
