Inter Milan have been dealt a major setback ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona, with captain Lautaro Martinez expected to miss the decisive clash due to a hamstring injury.
Martinez, who was withdrawn at half-time during Wednesday’s pulsating 3-3 draw in Spain, underwent scans that confirmed a muscle strain.
While Inter have not provided an official timeline for his recovery, reports in Italy suggest the Argentine striker is facing at least a week on the sidelines, ruling him out of Saturday’s Serie A fixture against Verona and, crucially, Tuesday’s return leg at San Siro.
The absence of Martinez leaves a significant void in Simone Inzaghi’s attack. The 26-year-old is Inter’s top scorer this season with 21 goals across all competitions, including eight in the Champions League.
His leadership, link-up play, and clinical finishing have been central to Inter’s European run.
Inzaghi, speaking after the first leg, admitted doubts over Martinez’s availability and will now likely turn to Marko Arnautovic or Mehdi Taremi to partner Marcus Thuram in leading the line against a Barcelona side that will arrive in Milan with everything to play for.
With a place in the Champions League final hanging in the balance, Inter must now navigate their biggest test of the season without their talisman.
