Growing belief Lautaro Martinez could start Inter vs. Barcelona semi final 2nd leg

Multiple reports in Italy state that Inter are increasingly confident they can start Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard against Barcelona in Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final.

The first leg was a 3-3 thriller in Montjuic, meaning it is winner takes all in the decider at San Siro on Tuesday evening.

It had been assumed the Nerazzurri captain would be ruled out after he limped off with a muscular issue at half-time in that game.

Even after tests showed there was only an elongation and no lesion, assistant manager Massimiliano Farris still told Sky Sport Italia last night that Lautaro Martinez was “more no than yes” to be in the squad.

Inter now believe in Lautaro Martinez recovery

However, this evening La Gazzetta dello Sport online edition and Sky Sport Italia television both claim that confidence is growing not only could the Argentine feature, but even be in the starting XI.

He has not yet resumed training, so they would need to see how he reacts to strain on Monday, but the lack of swelling and pain today does suggest the healing process is going well.

Thuram waiting to learn Inter strike partner

Lautaro Martinez could therefore start with Marcus Thuram, whereas in his absence the favourite to play would be Mehdi Taremi rather than Marko Arnautovic.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Pavard is also doing better after an ankle sprain, took part in partial training today and could play after missing the first leg.