Inter Milan`s star striker, Lautaro Martinez, is reportedly unlikely to participate in the crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against FC Barcelona. The match is scheduled for Tuesday in Milan, following a 3-3 draw in the first leg played in Barcelona on Wednesday. Inter still holds a slim hope that their captain might recover in time, but initial signs suggest he will miss the match due to a muscular injury sustained in the first leg, which led to his halftime substitution. Should Lautaro be unavailable, manager Simone Inzaghi must find a suitable replacement.
Inter released an official statement on Friday confirming the injury status. “Lautaro Martinez underwent various clinical and instrumental examinations this morning,” the club stated. The tests “revealed an elongation of the flexor muscles in his left thigh. His condition will be monitored daily,” the statement read, indicating a day-by-day assessment of the Argentine forward`s recovery.
Potential Replacements for Lautaro
Lautaro has been vital for Inter this season, scoring 21 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. His absence would significantly impact Inzaghi`s tactical approach, especially since fellow striker Marcus Thuram only recently returned from his own muscular issue before the first leg. Mehdi Taremi, who replaced Lautaro in the second half at Barcelona, is the most likely candidate to step into the starting lineup. Taremi`s first season since joining from Porto on a free transfer in summer 2024 has been underwhelming statistically, with only three goals across all competitions so far. However, his performance in the second half of the first leg was promising, showing he can still contribute effectively.
Other attacking options are limited. Joaquin Correa is not included in Inter`s Champions League roster. This leaves Marko Arnautovic as the only alternative striker available to potentially partner Thuram upfront. While some observers have suggested Inzaghi might consider a tactical shift, perhaps fielding midfielder Davide Frattesi behind Thuram in a more defensive setup, this is highly improbable. Inzaghi has consistently used a 3-5-2 formation throughout his four seasons at Inter and is extremely unlikely to change his system for the season`s most critical game.
Dominic Ashworth