Flick reveals Lewandowski ‘better than expected' ahead of Inter-Barcelona
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has revealed that Robert Lewandowski 'might be back' in time to face Inter in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Tuesday night, and that the Poland international has progressed 'better than we expected' in his injury rehab.
Inter and Barca are level at 3-3 at the midway stage of their Champions League semi-final tie after goals from Marcus Thuram, Denzel Dumfries, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and an own goal by Yann Sommer forced by Raphinha.
Barcelona prepare to welcome back Lewandowski for Inter
Despite their attacking excellence on the night, Barcelona were without leading goalscorer Lewandowski, who has been out with a muscular injury since mid-April. It was Ferran Torres who deputised up front during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Ferran Torres of FC Barcelona scores his team's second goal past Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale whilst under pressure from Francesco Acerbi of FC Internazionale during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by)
The Poland international has come up with 40 goals across all competitions this season. With 25 of those coming in LaLiga, the 36-year-old is currently third in the race for this season's European Golden Shoe, behind Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
Flick gives update on Lewandowski injury
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 12: Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates after the final whistle of the Spanish Super Cup Final between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona at King Abdullah Sports City on January 12, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by)
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Barcelona's upcoming LaLiga match against Real Valladolid, Flick confirmed that Lewandowski is in contention to feature against Inter on Tuesday, although he was unable to give any firm guarantees.
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'We have to wait and see how things progress day by day,' Flick said, reported via Football Espana.
'Robert is progressing very well, and we'll have to see what Balde does,' he continued.
'He (Lewandowski) could be back for the second leg against Inter. Robert is doing very well and his progress is much better than we expected. We'll have to see. He's a great professional and always works hard to be 100%. He might be back on Tuesday.'
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