Get ready, soccer fans! Barcelona is ramping up for a crucial clash in Milan, vying for a coveted spot in the Champions League final. All eyes are on Robert Lewandowski as he participates in training, but Alejandro Balde remains sidelined.
Lewandowski Back in the Mix
After a tough few weeks on the bench due to a semitendinosus muscle injury sustained on April 19 against Celta, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is making his comeback just in time. He missed the Copa del Rey final and the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter, but now he’s back in the groove, rejoining the squad for training. Fans are holding their breath in hopes of seeing the prolific scorer back on the pitch.
The Bench Strategy
Lewandowski will be traveling with the Blaugrana to Milan, but don’t expect him to start immediately. Coach Flick is playing it safe, opting to keep Lewandowski on the bench for now. The seasoned forward’s presence would only come into play if the situation requires it. With significant matches ahead, including the Clasico on October 11 at Montjuic, Barcelona is cautious about risking their star player too soon.
Balde and the Injury List
On the flip side, Alejandro Balde is still recovering from a distal biceps femoris injury he suffered on April 12. While Lewandowski is gearing up to return, Balde is still working individually with no clear timeline for rejoining team practice. The injury list for Barcelona remains a concern, with Marc Bernal, Marc Casado, Jules Kounde, and Pablo Torre also sidelined. However, Torre is back with the squad and could get clearance soon.
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