Lautaro Martínez is in doubt for Inter Milan’s decisive UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against FC Barcelona, after suffering a flexor strain during the first half of the first leg, which ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The Argentine striker was substituted at halftime by Mehdi Taremi, and concerns about his fitness quickly emerged.

The Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline

According to reports from Il Mattino, the early diagnosis is a strain in the flexor muscles. While not a complete tear, the severity remains unclear. Medical sources estimate a 10 to 15-day recovery window, casting serious doubt over Lautaro’s availability for the second leg on Tuesday, May 6 at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Further medical tests will be conducted in the coming hours to determine the exact extent of the injury. While some in the Inter camp remain hopeful, outlets like Sport suggest that his chances of featuring against Barcelona are slim.

Ruled Out of Serie A Action This Weekend

What is certain is that Lautaro Martínez will miss Inter’s upcoming Serie A match against Hellas Verona. The club's medical staff will monitor his condition closely over the weekend, but given the short turnaround, a return for the Champions League clash appears highly unlikely.

A Major Blow for Inter and Argentina

Lautaro is Inter Milan’s top scorer this season, with 21 goals and 6 assists, and plays a central role in Simone Inzaghi’s attacking setup. His potential absence for the second leg would be a major setback as the team looks to reach the Champions League final on May 31 in Munich.