Huge blow for Inter as Benjamin Pavard - who scored crucial goal that dumped Harry Kane & Bayern out of Champions League - to miss semi-final showdown with Barcelona

The Inter squad is succumbing to injuries in the most demanding part of the season. With the Serie A outfit facing off against Barcelona in a highly-anticipated Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, key defender Benjamin Pavard has been sidelined with an unfortunate ankle sprain. As a result, the 2018 World Cup winner will not play any part against Barca.

Pavard has been an important player for Inter manager Simone Inzaghi, featuring as a right-sided centre-back in a back three. He was named as a starter when the Nerazzurri took on Roma last Sunday, but came off in the 15th minute, with Sky Sport Italyconfirming that Pavard suffered an ankle sprain that would likely keep him out against Barca. The news of Pavard's injury couldn't have come at a worse time, with Inter losing ground in their Serie A title defence. Not just that, but Inzaghi is likely to be without Marcus Thuram's services, too, as he has been recovering from muscle fatigue in his left thigh.

It's not just Inter who have been hit by injuries. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has also been ruled out from the first leg on Wednesday after he suffered a hamstring issue against Celta Vigo earlier this month. Left-back Alejandro Balde will also miss the first leg.

There's no clear timeline regarding Pavard's return, although Inter will be desperately hoping that he gets back to full fitness before next week's return leg at San Siro. In Pavard's absence, 24-year-old Germany international Yann Bisseck is expected to start in defence.