Inter Milan Rely on Thuram for Champions League Clash Against Barcelona

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Inter Milan has received a significant boost with the return of key forward Marcus Thuram for their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona on Wednesday. Thuram, who has been sidelined for three matches due to a left thigh injury, is an integral part of the team’s lineup, having scored 17 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions this season.

The absence of Thuram has heavily impacted Inter, resulting in three consecutive matches without scoring — a first in 13 years. This scoring drought contributed to the team losing its lead in Serie A and exiting the Italian Cup.

On the flip side, Hansi Flick‘s Barcelona enters the match with high confidence, fresh off a victory in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid on Saturday. This win marks the beginning of their pursuit of a treble in Flick’s first season as head coach.

Barcelona’s attack will be led by Raphinha, who has scored 12 goals in the Champions League, supported by playmaker Lamine Yamal and Pedri González in midfield. However, they are currently without their top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, who is injured.

Barcelona boasts the best attack in the Champions League, having netted 37 goals. In contrast, Inter has demonstrated strong defensive capabilities, allowing only five goals and achieving a tournament-best eight clean sheets.

The second leg of this semifinal will take place next week in Milan. The winner will advance to face either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal in the final in Munich on May 31, with PSG recently defeating Arsenal 1-0 in London.