Inter boosted ahead of Barca crunch: Thuram heading for a start

Inter Milan can let out a big sigh of relief as Marcus Thuram is heading for a starting place in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Wednesday. The French forward had been a major doubt for the trip to the Montjuic after missing the defeats against Bologna, Milan and Roma between Serie A and Coppa Italia action. 

Reports earlier this week informed that the 27-year-old was set to be left out for the visit to Catalunya, eyeing a return for the second leg at the San Siro next week due to an adductor injury to his left thigh. However, the worries seem to have faded for the 'Nerazzurri', after Thuram took part in regular training with the team.

'Sky Sport' confirmed that Thuram will be on the flight to Spain alongside his teammates, with Simone Inzaghi set to make a last-minute verdict on whether to start him alongside Lautaro Martinez, or deploy him mid-game off the bench. His rapid recovery from the issue is a massive piece of positive news for the Italian giants ahead of a crucial end to the season.

Inter's treble dream was crushed after they were knocked out of the Italian Cup by city rivals AC Milan following a 3-0 defeat last week. Their bid for back-to-back Scudettos were dented after losing at home against Roma 1-0 in Sunday's rescheduled game, but they are still on course for a place in the final ahead of their two-legged tie against the quadruble-chasing Catalans.