Lucio battling to be fit to face former club
Reuters - Monday 14 March 2011, 18:02
MUNICH - Inter Milan defender
Lucio is still doubtful for Tuesday's Champions League match
against Bayern Munich, Inter coach Leonardo said on Monday.
Reigning champions Inter must overcome a 1-0 first-leg
deficit and Lucio's presence is likely to be crucial with fellow
centre-back Walter Samuel ruled out for the season.
"We will have to look at Lucio's fitness in training later
this evening. Not only Lucio's fitness but that of some other
players as well," Leonardo told reporters.
The Brazilian was replaced by Ivan Cordoba with 25 minutes
remaining in Friday's 1-1 Serie A draw with Brescia after
pulling a muscle in his right leg.
Cordoba had a torrid time, gifting Brescia an equaliser
before committing a professional foul to give away a penalty and
get sent off.
Striker Diego Milito is unlikely to play after missing the
first leg with a hamstring injury.
Inter are not in the commanding form of last season when
they won the treble, beating Bayern in the Champions League
final.
"I don't want to promise our fans anything," Leonardo said.
"I want to think about all the options because in football
anything can happen.
"I think there is a great will among my players. These
matches are like finals, they have the character of a final and
they go under your skin."
Inter lost the first leg to a last-minute goal from Mario
Gomez.
Dutchman Wesley Sneijder said his team mates were confident
of becoming only the second team in Champions League history to
overturn a first-leg home defeat with away victory to progress
to the next round.
"You have to believe," said the midfielder. "This game is
180 minutes long. We played 90 minutes, lost 1-0 at home but we
played very well. Tomorrow is the other 90 minutes we will go
for it."