Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard are both “racing against time” to be fit for Inter Milan in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal tie against Barcelona.
This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper La Repubblica, via FCInter1908.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez and defender Benjamin Pavard are currently on the sidelines with injury.
Martinez suffered a muscle problem during the first half of Inter’s Champions League semifinal first leg against Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Pavard is currently out with an ankle sprain. He picked up the injury in the first half of Inter’s Serie A loss to Roma last weekend.
Lautaro Martinez “Racing Against Time” To Be Fit For Inter Vs Barcelona
In the case of Nerazzurri captain Lautaro Martinez, it looks unlikely that the 27-year-old can return for the second leg against Barcelona.
Clearly, Martinez will be absent against Hellas Verona tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Argentine will undergo tests today with the Inter medical staff.
These will reveal the exact nature and severity of Martinez’s injury.
It is not entirely impossible that Martinez could rush back to fitness for the second leg against Barcelona. However, reports La Repubblica, it would very much be a “race against time.”
Pavard Also Rushing For Speedy Recovery Vs Barcelona
Meanwhile, it is a similar situation for Benjamin Pavard.
The Frenchman was unavailable for the first leg against Barcelona.
And Pavard will also play no part against Hellas Verona this weekend.
It is not quite certain how long it will take Pavard to return to fitness.
The former Bayern Munich defender is not dealing with all that severe of an injury. However, he barely has any time at all to recover for the second leg against Barcelona.
Therefore, like with Martinez, it is a “race against time” for Pavard to make it for the second leg.