Lewandowski returns as Barcelona set sights on Milan semifinal

FC Barcelona received a timely boost ahead of their Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, with star striker Robert Lewandowski returning to training and expected to be fit for selection.

FC Barcelona have been handed a major lift ahead of their high-stakes UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan on Tuesday, as top scorer Robert Lewandowski has returned to training and is likely to be available for selection, according to Xinhua.

The return leg follows last week's thrilling 3-3 draw at Montjuic, leaving Inter with a slight edge as both teams battle for a place in the final against either Paris Saint-Germain or Arsenal.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick opted to rest nearly his entire probable starting lineup during Saturday night’s narrow 2-1 La Liga win over bottom-placed Real Valladolid. Midfielder Pedri was the only player from the expected starting XI who featured from the outset, but he was substituted at halftime for Frenkie de Jong. Lamine Yamal entered the game earlier than expected after Dani Rodriguez sustained a shoulder injury, while Raphinha, Dani Olmo, and Eric Garcia also saw playing time.

In defense, Jules Kounde’s hamstring issue could see Eric Garcia deployed as a right-back, although youngster Hector Fort is also in contention if Flick chooses to avoid moving Garcia from his central position. Pau Cubarsi and Inigo Martinez, both rested at the weekend, are expected to start, with the possibility of Martinez shifting to left-back depending on Alejandro Balde’s fitness.

Barcelona were further encouraged on Saturday by the return of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who played his first match since undergoing cruciate ligament surgery. Despite his return, coach Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczesny would remain in goal for the upcoming fixtures against Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

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