Barcelona manager Hansi Flick looked carefully optimistic about the state of Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde for their Champions League semi-final second stage against Inter in the Giuseppe Meazza. Neither of them will prevent Real Valladolid this weekend.
Balde went down with a hamstring problem against Leganes on 12 April, and after missing the first stage against Inter and the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, there was optimism in Catalonia that Balde would at least be back on time for Tuesday.
“We have to wait and see how things progress every day. They are on the right track, but we have to wait and see. It is the same with Casadó, who has done part of the training today. We cannot take any risks. Robert is progressing very well and we will have to see what Balk does.”
Lewandowski and Balde both missed the training on Friday prior to their collision with Valladolid. More specifically on Lewandowski, Flick remained tight lips when a second question about his fitness was asked.
“He could be back for the second stage against Inter. Robert is doing very well and his progress is much better than we expected. We will have to see. He is a great professional and always works hard to be 100%. He might be back on Tuesday.”
After Andreas Christensen returned to Inter for the first time since August, there was also positive news for the Blaugrana elsewhere. Flick confirmed that Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen would be back in the goal against Valladolid, while Marc Casado was also in training for the first time since his ligament crack in mid-March. It is not yet clear when the midfielder will be back, but with the exception of Marc Bernal, Barcelona can complete the season with a fully fit team.