Barcelona has been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation that star striker Robert Lewandowski will be sidelined for approximately three weeks due to a hamstring injury. The 36-year-old Polish forward, who has been a cornerstone of Barcelona’s attack this season, is expected to miss the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid on April 26 at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville.
The injury occurred during Barcelona’s thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday. Lewandowski, visibly distressed, limped off the pitch in the 77th minute, clutching the back of his left thigh. Initial fears in the dressing room pointed to a possible tear in the biceps femoris, but medical tests conducted on Sunday confirmed a left semitendinosus muscle injury. The club issued an official statement: “Tests carried out this Sunday have confirmed that first-team player Robert Lewandowski has an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh. His return will be determined by his progress.”
Spanish media reports, corroborated by sources close to the club, estimate a recovery period of two to three weeks, ruling Lewandowski out of the Copa del Rey final and casting doubt over his availability for the first leg of Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan on April 30. The injury also means he will miss upcoming La Liga matches against Mallorca on Tuesday and Real Valladolid on May 3. However, there is optimism that, barring setbacks, Lewandowski could return for the crucial La Liga El Clasico against Real Madrid on May 11, a match that could prove decisive in the title race.
Lewandowski’s absence is a major setback for Barcelona, who are chasing a potential quadruple under coach Hansi Flick. The Polish striker has been in scintillating form, leading La Liga with 25 goals and amassing 40 goals across all competitions, including 11 in the Champions League and three in the Copa del Rey. His 27.21% shot conversion rate and 37.56 expected goals (xG) underline his clinical finishing, making him indispensable to Barcelona’s attacking setup. Notably, Lewandowski has scored three goals in two meetings against Real Madrid this season, highlighting the magnitude of his absence for the upcoming final.
Barcelona’s injury woes are compounded by doubts surrounding left-back Alejandro Balde, who has missed recent games with a hamstring issue and is also at risk of missing the Copa del Rey final. The combined absence of these key players could significantly weaken Barcelona’s lineup against a formidable Real Madrid side.
Hansi Flick now faces the challenge of reshaping his attack for the critical fixtures ahead. Ferran Torres, who has served as Barcelona’s backup striker and is in good form, is the frontrunner to replace Lewandowski. Torres’ ability to stretch defenses makes him a logical choice, though he lacks the physical presence and goal-scoring prowess of the Polish veteran. Alternatively, Flick could deploy Dani Olmo in a central attacking role. Olmo, recently recovered from injury, offers creativity and unpredictability, which could unsettle Real Madrid’s organized defense. Flick’s tactical decision will hinge on whether he prioritizes Torres’ directness or Olmo’s dynamic flair.
Adding intrigue to the Copa del Rey final, Real Madrid are also sweating over the fitness of their star forward, Kylian Mbappé, who is nursing a swollen ankle. While Mbappé is expected to recover in time, the uncertainty surrounding both teams’ talismanic strikers sets the stage for a dramatic El Clasico showdown.
Barcelona, currently seven points clear of Real Madrid in La Liga with six games remaining, will look to maintain their momentum despite this setback. The Copa del Rey final represents a chance to secure their first major trophy of the season, but without Lewandowski, the Blaugrana face an uphill battle against their eternal rivals. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on Lewandowski’s recovery, as his return could prove pivotal in Barcelona’s pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.