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With Lautaro Martinez sidelined due to a hamstring injury , Inter are likely to face a decisive Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona without their captain and top scorer. Yet, the statistics offer Simone Inzaghi’s side good reason to stay optimistic.

While Martinez has been a key figure this season—scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 47 appearances—the Nerazzurri remain unbeaten in his absence.

Inter’s unbeaten run without Lautaro Martinez tested ahead of Barcelona clash

The 27-year-old has missed six matches this campaign, either remaining on the bench for the full 90 minutes or being ruled out due to injury. Inter won five of those games and drew the other, a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Milan.

Those five victories saw Inter score 13 goals and concede just twice, including a 5-0 rout of Verona—the very team they face in Serie A today.

However, Martinez has been instrumental in Inter’s Champions League run, notching eight goals in 12 appearances, including strikes in five consecutive matches and both legs of the quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Barcelona are hopeful of having Robert Lewandowski back for Tuesday’s clash at San Siro, after the Polish striker missed the first leg due to a muscular problem.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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