Inter Milan’s Pavard Out for Champions League Semifinal vs. Barcelona

BARCELONA, SPAIN – April 28, 2025 – Inter Milan faces a daunting challenge just days before their UEFA Champions League semifinal against Barcelona as French defender Benjamin Pavard has been ruled out due to an ankle injury.

The injury occurred during a match against Roma on April 27, when Pavard collided with Turkish full-back Celik Zeki. Initially believed to be minor, medical tests revealed a more serious issue, leading to his replacement in the 15th minute by German defender Yann Bisseck.

Coach Simone Inzaghi expressed concern over losing Pavard, one of the team’s most dependable defenders. This injury adds to Inter’s defensive difficulties, as they have conceded goals in each of their last nine matches and are coming off three consecutive defeats.

Inzaghi must urgently address the defensive lineup, especially against a Barcelona side that recently won the Copa del Rey. Experienced defenders like Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni will play crucial roles in an attempt to stop Barcelona’s offense at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

Barcelona, meanwhile, is also grappling with injuries. Spanish outlet AS reports that Alejandro Balde is “practically ruled out” for the first leg of the semifinals, although there is a slight chance he could be part of the squad.

Balde, recovering from a hamstring injury, has not been training fully and will likely not start against Inter. The absence of both players heightens the stakes for both teams as they prepare for a critical matchup in the Champions League.