Will he play against Barcelona? The truth behind Lautaro Martínez’s injury comes to light

The Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez, one of the most important players for Inter Milan at present, suffered a strain to the flexor muscles of his left thigh during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against FC Barcelona. The injury occurred in the closing minutes of the first half, when the striker began to feel discomfort in the back of his left thigh and was forced to repeatedly touch the affected area. He requested to be substituted at half-time.

A muscle strain, also known as a first-degree tear, involves excessive stretching of muscle fibres without a complete rupture. In Lautaro's case, the injury affects the hip flexor muscles, which are crucial for a footballer's mobility and explosiveness on the pitch. This type of injury usually results in sharp pain, difficulty moving the leg, and sometimes localised swelling.

According to initial medical reports and Italian media outlets such as La Gazzetta dello Sport, the estimated recovery time for this injury is between 10 and 15 days, although in more severe cases it can extend to two or three weeks. Treatment typically includes rest, physiotherapy, ice application, and in some cases, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication. The priority for Inter Milan's medical team will be to prevent a relapse, as rushing recovery could aggravate the condition and prolong the player's absence.

Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan's manager, expressed his concern after the match: “Lautaro is a fundamental player for us. We will see how he progresses, but it will be very difficult to have him available for the return leg. We trust in the work of the medical staff and in the player's recovery, but we do not want to risk his health.” In Italy, the sports press already assumes that the forward will not be available for the next league match against Hellas Verona and that his participation in the second leg against Barcelona is increasingly unlikely.

Lautaro's potential absence represents a significant setback for Inter, who will have to look for alternative attacking solutions to face Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Argentine is not only the team's top scorer, but also a leader both on and off the pitch, so his absence could affect both the team's performance and the dressing room atmosphere.

In the coming hours, the Milan club will confirm the exact extent of the injury and the recovery plan, but all signs indicate that Lautaro Martinez will be a significant loss for one of the most important matches of the season. The fans hope that the striker can recover in time, although realistic expectations suggest that his participation in the Champions League return leg will, at best, be very limited.