UCL: Inter get double injury boost before Barcelona showdown

Inter Milan are reportedly growing more confident that captain Lautaro Martinez and centre-back Benjamin Pavard could feature in their Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona.

The first leg between the two sides ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw in Montjuic, setting up a decisive encounter at San Siro.   

It had initially been expected that the Inter captain would miss the second leg after limping off with a muscular issue during the first match. 

While tests revealed no significant lesion, assistant manager Massimiliano Farris had indicated that Martinez's involvement was unlikely.

However, there are now increasing reports in Italy suggesting a more optimistic outlook regarding the Argentine forward. 

Both Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that confidence is rising that Martinez could not only be in the squad but also potentially in the starting eleven.

The forward has yet to resume full training, and his reaction to strain on Monday will be crucial in determining his availability. 

Inter have also received positive news regarding Pavard, as the defender, who missed the first leg due to an ankle sprain, has participated in partial training and could also be available for selection against Barcelona.

The winner of the Inter-Barcelona tie will face Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 31. 

Simone Inzaghi’s Inter remain in the hunt for the double this term, though they trail Antonio Conte's Napoli by three points in Serie A with three games to play.