Lewandowski on bench for Barcelona’s showdown with Inter, says coach Flick

Milan: Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench for Barcelona s Champions League semi final decider with Inter Milan after recovering from a hamstri...

Milan: Robert Lewandowski will start on the bench for Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final decider with Inter Milan after recovering from a hamstring injury, coach Hansi Flick said yesterday.

Poland captain Lewandowski missed last week’s thrilling first leg in Catalonia after picking up the injury against Celta Vigo last month but will be available as a substitute at the San Siro, where the teams will line-up level at 3-3.

“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.

Lewandowski’s return is a huge boost for Flick as the veteran striker has scored 40 goals this season in all competitions for Barca, who need to win at the San Siro to reach the final.

Barca are gunning for a quadruple of major trophies in Flick’s first season as coach, after beating Real Madrid to both the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey.