Barcelona Make Robert Lewandowski Injury Decision for Crucial Inter Second Leg

Polish Striker Returns as Barcelona Prepare for Pivotal Champions League Clash

It’s the news Barcelona fans have been waiting for: Robert Lewandowski is back. After weeks of speculation, the Polish striker has officially been named in the squad for Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter—a match that could define the trajectory of their season.

Barcelona head into the clash with everything on the line. After a thrilling and slightly chaotic 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys in the first leg, they know that nothing short of a monumental performance in Milan will be enough. And who better to call upon in such a moment than Robert Lewandowski, their big-game specialist?

Lewandowski’s Recovery: From Doubt to Determination

The 35-year-old had been sidelined since mid-April with a hamstring injury, a frustrating setback during a vital run of games. Notably, he missed the Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid and was absent from the lineup in the first leg against Inter—a match where his ability to hold up play and convert chances was sorely missed.

There had been cautious optimism within the club that he might recover in time, but his inclusion in the 23-man squad confirms that Robert Lewandowski has passed the necessary fitness tests. He trained with the group earlier this week, with sources close to the club suggesting he looked “sharp, vocal, and ready.”

For manager Xavi Hernández, the striker’s return is not just a boost—it’s a potential game-changer.

“Robert is a leader on and off the pitch,” Xavi said during Monday’s pre-match press conference. “Having him with us again gives the whole team a lift. He knows how to navigate these moments.”

Who’s Out: Key Absentees Still Plague Barca’s Defence

Alejandro Balde is still not ready to return / Ion Alcoba Beitia/GettyImages

While Robert Lewandowski’s return is a welcome development, Barcelona’s defensive injury list continues to cause concern. Neither of the club’s first-choice full-backs—Alejandro Balde or Jules Koundé—will be available for the Inter clash.

Balde, who has been recovering from a muscular issue for several weeks, was tipped for a possible return in time for last weekend’s La Liga fixture against Real Valladolid. That match came and went without the young Spaniard, and his name is absent once again from the squad list.

Instead, 20-year-old Gerard Martin will likely continue to deputize on the left. The Barca B defender endured a difficult night in the first leg, where he was withdrawn at half-time, but he did redeem himself somewhat with a man-of-the-match performance against Valladolid.

Even so, throwing a relatively inexperienced player into the San Siro cauldron against a seasoned Inter side is a huge risk.

On the right, Koundé remains sidelined with his own hamstring injury—picked up, ironically, in the first leg against Inter. Initial assessments suggested a three-week absence, which rules him out of this game and places doubt over his availability for any potential final on May 31.

Ter Stegen’s Champions League Snub: Szczesny to Start

Another notable absentee from the squad is Marc-André ter Stegen, though in his case, it’s not about fitness. The German international has recently made his return to first-team action in La Liga but remains ineligible for the Champions League due to UEFA registration restrictions.

In his place, Wojciech Szczesny—signed on a free transfer in January as cover—will continue between the posts. The Polish veteran has had a mixed European campaign so far, but with over a decade of experience at the top level, Barcelona are hoping his calm presence can steady a makeshift back line.

Szczesny will be backed up by Iñaki Peña and Ander Astralaga, both of whom are still in the early stages of their senior careers.

Squad Breakdown: Robert Lewandowski In, but Defensive Depth Tested

Here’s a quick look at the 23-player squad Barcelona are taking to Milan for what is arguably their biggest match of the season.

Goalkeepers:
Inaki Pena, Wojciech Szczesny, Ander Astralaga

Defenders:
Pau Cubarsí, Ronald Araújo, Iñigo Martínez, Andreas Christensen, Eric García, Héctor Fort, Gerard Martin, Landry Farre

Midfielders:
Gavi, Pedri, Fermín Lopez, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong, Noah Darvich

Forwards:
Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati, Raphinha, Pau Víctor, Lamine Yamal

From that list, it’s clear that Barça’s strength lies in midfield and attack, with players like Gavi, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong all available. The trio is expected to start, offering both creativity and control.

In attack, the return of Robert Lewandowski changes everything. With young stars like Lamine Yamal and the resurgent Ferran Torres flanking him, Barcelona now have multiple goal threats—and they’ll need every bit of firepower to outscore an Inter side that punished their defensive frailties last time out.

Can Barcelona Cope at the San Siro?

Barcelona have already experienced how punishing Inter can be when gifted space and time. The Italian side’s three away goals in the first leg have tilted the tie slightly in their favour. A 1-0 win or even a 2-2 draw would be enough to see them through.

That means Barcelona must score—and probably more than once.

With Robert Lewandowski’s return, the chances of doing just that increase exponentially. He has 22 goals in all competitions this season, including several decisive strikes in Europe. Known for stepping up when the stakes are highest, the Polish star could be Barcelona’s trump card.

But defense remains the elephant in the room. Pau Cubarsí and Ronald Araújo are expected to anchor the backline, with Christensen perhaps pushing out to cover wide. It’s a combination that lacks balance, particularly against Inter’s fluid attacking movements.

Still, if Barça can take early control of the match—as they often do in high-intensity European ties—they’ll fancy their chances.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

Barcelona have already lifted silverware this season with their Copa del Rey triumph, but Champions League success would elevate Xavi’s project to a whole new level. The last time Barça won the tournament was in 2015—a decade-long drought that weighs heavily on a club of their stature.

Advancing past Inter wouldn’t just mean a shot at the trophy. It would also represent validation for a young team in transition, dealing with budget constraints, injuries, and the pressure of legacy.

For Robert Lewandowski, it’s another chance to silence those who doubt his continued relevance at the top level. For the club, it’s a night where everything must come together—or everything could unravel.

Final Word

Barcelona’s decision to include Robert Lewandowski for the crucial second leg against Inter might be the risk that makes the reward possible. With injury woes still hampering the backline and the pressure of the Champions League cauldron at full boil, the return of their most seasoned striker might be just the catalyst they need.

Whatever happens, it promises to be an unforgettable night in Milan.