Inter Milan hoping for ‘miracle’ recovery of star forward ahead of Barcelona clash | OneFootball

Barcelona head into the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg with quiet confidence, while the tension continues to rise in the Inter Milan camp due to the uncertain status of Lautaro Martinez.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Italian side are reportedly clinging to hope for a “miracle” recovery of their star striker, though even their official communications reveal more uncertainty than assurance.

Martinez, who picked up an injury during the first leg at Montjuic, has not been medically cleared to feature in the return fixture just yet.

Inter released a carefully worded medical update last Friday, confirming that the Argentine has suffered “an elongation of the flexor muscles in his left thigh,” and that his condition is being monitored on a “day-to-day basis.”

That is medical speak for: “We don’t know if he will make it.”

No one knows anything

The vague nature of the statement seems designed to keep Barcelona manager Hansi Flick guessing.

Inter Milan are hoping for a miracle. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

But if anything, it reveals a degree of desperation from Inter, who are now resorting to psychological games as they prepare for a second leg where the Catalans are in the ascendancy both tactically and mentally.

The phrase “a miracle is possible” is being whispered in Milanese media circles, but the reality is this: miracles aren’t part of tactical planning.

Barcelona, meanwhile, remain unfazed. Flick has already begun preparing his squad without factoring in Martinez, which ensures that there are no last-minute surprises or unnecessary distractions.

After all, whether the Argentine starts or not, the Catalans know their objective is clear: control the midfield, contain Inter’s transitions, and execute their chances.

Moreover, Inter’s anxiety over the Argentine’s potential absence speaks volumes about their dependence on him.

Without him, the Italian side lose not just a goal-scorer but also their main reference point in the final third.

Barcelona are not buying into the uncertainty. Instead, they are focused on exploiting it. While Inter hope for divine intervention, Flick and his men are calmly preparing to get the job done the hard, professional way.