Kane saves Tuchel's blushes as England limp past Andorra

What next for Sancho after Chelsea snub?

Eight issues Chelsea must fix in the transfer window

Madrid must loan out Endrick to make room for Mastantuono

Biggest winners & losers as Lionesses name Euros squad

Editors' Picks

Guardiola apologises to Yamal as he makes Messi claim

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: This is Dembele's Golden Ball!

Jamaica told Greenwood decision needs 'acceptance from nation'

Transfers LIVE: Man Utd face Spurs battle for Mbeumo

'Back to reality' for Dyer & Bowen after rainy honeymoon

Osimhen agrees personal terms ahead of Napoli exit

RANKED: Top candidates to replace Ange after Spurs sacking

Rob & Ryan ready to sell stake as Wrexham's value hits £350m

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Martinez came off in 76th minute of Inter loss</li><li><p>Medical evaluations have ruled out serious injury</p></li><li><p>Barca face crucial title-race clash with Madrid</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script></li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Barcelona handed major injury boost ahead of Clasico showdown with Real Madrid

<p>Centre-back Inigo Martinez sustained a minor muscle strain during <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/barcelona-player-ratings-inter-lamine-yamal-champions-league-hansi-flick/bltebe517c8ab4a8553" target="_blank">Barcelona's Champions League semi-final clash against Inter</a>. The veteran defender asked to be substituted after feeling some discomfort and was replaced by Ronald Araujo in the 76th minute. He does, though, appear to be ready for the Clasico.<br></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">🚨🚨🌕| Eric Garcia and Iñigo Martinez will be FIT for El Clasico.<br><br>[<a href="https://twitter.com/fansjavimiguel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fansjavimiguel</a>] <a href="https://t.co/ntdpR3aYy3">pic.twitter.com/ntdpR3aYy3</a></p>— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManagingBarca/status/1920145870781100420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>According to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/alivio-inigo-ok-para-el-clasico-n/?ssm=TW_CC" target="_blank">Javi Miguel</a>, initial tests have ruled out a hamstring injury, indicating it was just a minor muscle strain for Martinez. Barring any surprises, he is expected to be available for the Clasico on Sunday, May 11, at Montjuic. Against Inter, he completed 85% of his passes, made two clearances, and won six duels, and his substitution shifted the momentum of the match, as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/furious-barcelona-fans-blame-ronald-araujo-champions-league-exit-inter-real-madrid-uruguayan-guard-of-honour/bltefbe4e5c2153e3b8" target="_blank">Araujo was partly responsible for the Nerazzurri’s last two goals</a>.</p><p>Miguel also confirmed that Alejandro Balde, who has been sidelined with an injury since April 13, has rejoined training and is expected to receive medical clearance to play. However, he is likely to start on the bench, with Gerard Martin expected to retain his spot after a series of strong performances in recent games.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Basque defender Martinez has played 44 matches across all competitions this season, scoring three goals and providing six assists. He has been a key figure in Barcelona's backline, in contrast to his limited appearances under Xavi last year.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>With Martinez declared fit, Flick is expected to opt for the same defensive set-up used in the second leg against Inter. A win for Barcelona would stretch the gap at the top of the Liga table over Real Madrid to seven points. However, a defeat would add new life to the title race, with just three rounds of fixtures to go.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Barcelona handed major injury boost ahead of Clasico showdown with Real Madrid | Goal.com

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez has recovered from his recent injury and is set to feature in the upcoming El Clasico.