Barcelona’s hopes for the Champions League second leg against Inter Milan have been given a timely boost, with Alejandro Balde nearing a return and Robert Lewandowski a potential surprise inclusion in the matchday squad.
Balde’s accelerated recovery from a hamstring injury could see him feature against Real Valladolid this weekend as a fitness test, offering a huge lift for Hansi Flick given the defensive frailties shown in the first leg. Meanwhile, while Lewandowski’s fitness remains uncertain, the fact that Barça’s medical team is considering bringing him to Milan as an emergency option underscores how crucial he is to their plans—even at less than 100%.
Given the tight 3-3 draw and Koundé’s confirmed absence, these developments could significantly influence Flick’s tactical approach.
Would you like a projected lineup for Barcelona assuming both Balde and Lewandowski are available for limited minutes?
