Flick prioritises recovering Barcelona starlet over injured forward for first leg vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

In recent games, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been forced to cope without two key starters: Alejandro Balde and Robert Lewandowski. Both are sidelined with hamstring injuries and are expected to be out for around three weeks.

Their recoveries rule them out of the Copa del Rey final on 26 April against Real Madrid and place their availability for the Champions League semi-finals against Inter (30 April and 6 May) in serious doubt.

Flick wants to recover Balde at the earliest

Now, according to AS, Flick is prioritising Balde’s recovery in time for the first leg against Inter at Montjuïc on 30 April over that of Lewandowski and is confident that the left-back can make it in time for the match.

While Gerard Martin has filled in solidly at left-back in the absence of Balde, the coaching staff believes the team has been the attacking threat and directness on the left flank – qualities Balde could restore.

Flick wants Balde to return soon. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

As such, all efforts are now being made to ensure the 20-year-old is ready within the expected three-week timeframe so that he can be available to take on the Nerazzurri next week.

No hurry with Lewandowski

There is less urgency regarding Lewandowski’s return. Despite the Polish striker’s 40 goals this season, Flick is confident in the depth available upfront.

Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo are seen as strong alternatives in the central striker role, with Pau Victor also providing backup.

While Lewandowski’s absence inevitably reduces Barcelona’s attacking threat, the coaching team believe they can manage the forward line effectively with the available options.

Medical tests conducted on Sunday confirmed a hamstring tear in Lewandowski’s left leg. The target for the Pole is the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on 6 May in Milan, though his return by then remains uncertain.