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Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez left the pitch with a muscle injury during the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. This raised concerns for the Italian side as they approach an important point in their season.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Martínez, Inter Milan’s top scorer this season, had to be substituted at halftime after he felt discomfort in his left thigh. This happened towards the end of the first half. Even though he tried to finish the half, the Argentina star appeared troubled and couldn’t continue. This caused his early exit. Mehdi Taremi replaced Martínez for the second half as the draw ended 3-3 in a dramatic clash. Martínez has 21 goals and six assists in all competitions this season. His potential absence is a problem for Inter’s attack.
INTER’S TITLE CHALLENGE UNDER PRESSURE
Martínez’s injury comes at a bad time for Inter Milan. The team has been dealing with injuries throughout their squad. They still lead Serie A but have faced difficult moments recently. They had to manage the fitness of key players like Marcus Thuram and Denzel Dumfries, who just returned from injury and played important roles against Barcelona. With a tough schedule and the Champions League semi-final in the balance, Inter’s depth will be tested. Barcelona, who fought back twice to level the game, remain strong rivals. Both teams look for an edge before the return leg.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR INTER MILAN?
Inter Milan will now await results from medical tests to determine how serious Martínez’s injury is. He might not play in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. The team’s next game is the home leg against Barcelona, with a spot in the Champions League final on the line. Inter sits first in Serie A, holding a six-point lead over AC Milan, while Barcelona is second in La Liga, close to leaders Real Madrid. The outcome of Martínez’s medical assessments could affect both Inter’s European and domestic goals. They aim to maintain their momentum as the season ends.
