Barcelona pursuit of a historic treble has gained even more momentum after their thrilling Copa del Rey victory, but now they must shift their attention back to the European stage.
The Blaugrana have a stern test against Serie A champions Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals, with the first leg at Montjuïc expected to resemble a tactical game between two continental giants.
While Simone Inzaghi’s side is certain to pose a difficult challenge, there may have been a development that could tip the advantage in Barcelona’s favor.
The Italian title holders have suffered another devastating injury blow (following the news about Marcus Thuram’s absence), and this time it is in a critical area of their squad.
Benjamin Pavard, Inter’s versatile defender, sustained an ankle injury in their Serie A match against Roma and limped off after just 8 minutes into the match.
Pavard, who has featured in all but one of Inter’s Champions League matches this season (11), is now facing a race against time to regain fitness for Wednesday’s match.
Pavard’s potential absence only adds to Inter’s defensive strife, as it costs them a player capable of playing comfortably across the entirety of the backline.
His experience and calm on big European nights would have been invaluable against a dynamic attacking team like Barcelona.
Although Yann Bisseck came on for Pavard against Roma, the young German does not have Pavard’s pedigree in the big games.
For Barcelona, this twist in preparation may give them a glimmer of advantage before the first leg.
As Inter may miss both a key attacker and a defender, Hansi Flick’s side can accomplish the job of getting an aggregate lead before heading to the San Siro.
While the Catalans are on a hunt for immortality, it is these little margins that they can take advantage of in their pursuit of European glory.
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