Robert Lewandowski to start on bench for Barcelona against Inter Milan

Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench for Barcelona’s crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, following his recovery from a hamstring injury.

The Poland captain missed last week’s thrilling first leg in Catalonia after sustaining the injury in a match against Celta Vigo last month.

However, Lewandowski will be available as a substitute at the San Siro, with the tie level at 3-3.

Lewandowski’s return is a significant boost for Flick, as the veteran striker has netted 40 goals in all competitions this season for Barcelona.

The Spanish giants need to secure a win in Milan to reach the final.

Hansi Flick’s side are chasing an unprecedented quadruple of major trophies in his debut season as coach, having already claimed both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey by defeating Real Madrid.

“Everything goes in the right way and he is good, much better than we expected, and he is ready for the bench. So maybe when we need him, he can come in,” Flick told reporters.

Barcelona hold a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga, with four matches remaining in the Spanish league season.

Lewandowski has netted 40 goals in all competitions this season for Barcelona

“I did imagine it (a quadruple bid),” said Dani Olmo.

“I want to win everything. At Barca we have the team to be at this stage of the season with all of the trophies still to play for… We know what we what to do and we’re committed to that with the way we play.

“We’ve got energy and motivation, and we’re going to go for it.”

Olmo stated that Inter’s plan to double up on Lamine Yamal won’t prevent Barcelona’s teenage winger from causing the same havoc he did last week.

“That just means we’ll have a player free. Lamine has shown that can play against one, two or three defenders,” said Olmo.

“We’ll help him if that is the case. Our ideas won’t change, if he has two or three markers on him that means there will be other players free for us.”