Barcelona duo completely ruled out for crucial clash against Inter | OneFootball

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona will have to cope without Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski for the UEFA Champions League first-leg tie against Inter Milan this week.

After the intense Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid, which went into extra time, it is understandable that some players might still be feeling the effects of the gruelling 120 minutes on the pitch.

It must be noted that there were plenty of hard tackles during that match, and a few players picked up knocks.

However, as things stand, no one else apart from Balde and Lewandowski is expected to miss the big European night. Both players have yet to receive medical clearance to return.

Lewandowski, who has been an important figure up front, picked up an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh during the match against Celta Vigo on April 19.

Lewandowski and Balde will not be available for Inter Milan clash. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

At the moment, there is still no confirmed date for when he might return to action. In fact, even Hansi Flick has not gone into details when asked about the striker’s condition, and no specific diagnosis was mentioned in the club’s medical report.

Balde’s won’t make it in time

As for Balde, the young left-back suffered a distal injury to the femoral biceps in his left leg, also on April 19, during the match in Leganes.

The club’s medical staff are working hard to get him back to full fitness, aiming to have him ready for the Champions League second leg.

However, it has been made clear that he will not be available for the upcoming La Liga match against Valladolid either.

Barcelona will now have to rely on other options in defence and attack as they head into a crucial period of the season.

Despite the setbacks, the squad remains focused as they prepare for a tough battle in Italy.