While Barcelona is still reveling in their Copa del Rey celebrations, there is no time to dwell on their El Clásico victory.
The Champions League semifinals are approaching fast, and Hansi Flick’s squad must set their sights on their European challenge against the serious competition of Inter Milan.
The Italian champions represent both a serious challenge to Barça and a significant threat to their hopes of a European final with the return leg taking place at the intimidating San Siro, so a strong performance at home will be important for their continental ambitions.
While the preparations ramp up, there is unexpected but positive news for Barcelona that could shift the balance in their favor.
Inter will be without their influential forward Marcus Thuram for the first of the two in Montjuïc.
The Frenchman has been a critical part of Inter’s season with 17 goals and 9 assists, but could not recover in time from his muscle injury from two weeks ago, which saw him miss the Coppa Italia final and last weekend’s Serie A fixture against Sassuolo.
According to journalist Pasquale Guarro, Thuram has only restarted the basic part of his training, where he was only doing some light jogging, and he will miss not just the clash against Barcelona, but he may even miss Inter’s Serie A fixture against Verona later this week as well.
Thuram’s absence is a major loss for Simone Inzaghi’s attacking options, breaking up the deadly relationship he has developed with Lautaro Martinez this year.
It also takes away a massive tactical problem for Barcelona to tackle in creating a first-leg advantage before heading back to Italy.
Inter will always present a threat, but the absence of their French superstar provides Flick’s defense one less issue to deal with.
With the treble in play, this unforeseen boost could be critical as Barcelona embark on a week that could define their season and hence create their legacy.
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