The involvement of Marcelo Brozovic has already been out of question for quite some time for Barca’s upcoming opponents in UCL, Inter. Now, there is reason for even more concern for the Italian giants as Romelu Lukaku is also out. Inter’s list could could expand as Lautaro Martinez is also in doubt with the muscle fatigue he felt after the game against Roma in Seria A. Barca themselves have been dealing with a fair amount of injuries since the recent international break ended. Some of the players have recovered from their injuries and some are in the process of recovery. It can be said without doubt that Barca will not have their best possible squad at their disposal when they travel to Milan tomorrow. But could these absences in their opponents team give them an advantage when they are missing players of their own?
Marcelo Brozovic has been one of the most important elements in Inter Milan’s midfield in recent years. His recent absence in Inter’s midfield has been evident. They have won only 3 matches in all competitions out of 8 since he hasn’t been around. Inter had a tough time in the 1st match day against Bayern in the midfield battle. As Inter have been failing to assert dominance in midfield it’s also natural that they are having to face more attacks than usual.
The same is true for Romelu Lukaku, Inter’s attack has just not had the same edge without him. They have scored only 12 goals in 7 matches averaging less than 2 goals per match. Lukaku’s physical presence in the box would have been definitely a threat for Barca. His physical presence also helped his partner Lautaro Martinez play in his natural role and cause more havoc. Lautaro himself is also in doubt now. He was having trouble handling Inter’s attack alone in recent matches. Inter’s attack will definitely lose it’s focal point if they lose Lautaro on top of Lukaku.
All of this does not mean it’s all advantage for Barcelona. Inter still have quality attackers such as Edin Dzeko, Joaquin Correa to cause Barca problems. They are attackers who have enough experience to rise up to the occasion. Although, Inter are missing players in midfield and attack, they are certainly not missing in defense. In the game against Barca, all three of their defensive generals Milan Skriniar, Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni will be available. While Stefan De Vrij will also be available from the bench. Full backs Federico Di Marco, Denzel Dumfries and Robin Gosens are also available. These players have definitely not been in their best of forms recently. Inter have conceded 14 goals in last 8 matches but that does not mean they cannot rise to the occasion. They will try their utmost best and this is the best time for them to return to form.
Inter’s defense has more than enough experience and quality to handle Barca’s possessional play and relentless attacks. They just don’t have enough quality to do that alone. Even with the injuries they can be dangerous on the counters as well. It may not be all advantage for Barca as Inter are one of the giants of world football and can rise up to the occasion. They are familiar to these types of situations. It is also true that these absences may help Barca in handling Inter’s midfield and attack.
Simone Inzaghi’s (Inter Manager) back is certainly against the wall before the match as he hopes to end Inter’s bad run of form. There is no better way to do it with a positive result against a team of Barca’s stature. As things stand, the balance of scales might look in favor of Barca but the reality could be different on the day.
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