Lewandowski's hamstring injury adds to Barca woes

FC Barcelona's injury concerns deepened as striker Robert Lewandowski became the latest player sidelined with a muscle injury.

Robert Lewandowski(R) vies with Marcos Alonso of Celta Vigo during the La Liga football match in Barcelona, Spain, on April 19, 2025. (Photo by Joan Gosa/Xinhua)

The Polish forward sustained a hamstring problem in his left thigh while on international duty, Barcelona confirmed in a medical report. The club did not specify a recovery time, but Spanish daily Diario AS estimated an absence of around four weeks.

Lewandowski is the third Barca player to return injured during the international break. Midfielder Dani Olmo picked up a calf injury in training with Spain and is expected to miss three weeks, while Ferran Torres left Spain's squad with a slight muscle strain but should be fit for Saturday's La Liga home match against Girona.

Both Lewandowski and Olmo are likely to miss the season's first Clasico away to Real Madrid on October 26.

Meanwhile, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are expected to be available, though coach Hansi Flick will manage Yamal's minutes carefully due to his recurring pelvic issue.