Barcelona’s preparations for the upcoming El Clasico have suffered a huge setback after Robert Lewandowski was ruled out with a fresh muscle injury sustained on international duty with Poland.
The 37-year-old forward, who reportedly felt discomfort during Poland’s friendly against Lithuania, has been sidelined for up to a month.
According to reports, the club is furious with the veteran striker for choosing to continue playing despite his condition, a decision that will now see him miss one of the most important fixtures of Barcelona’s season.
Lewandowski’s injury was confirmed after medical tests revealed a tear in his left thigh muscle. The striker had experienced pain in the first half of the match but insisted on playing the full 90 minutes, even after being bandaged at half-time.
His determination to stay on the pitch ultimately worsened the damage, forcing Barcelona to rule him out of several crucial matches, including the much-anticipated showdown with Real Madrid.
The timing could not be worse, as the Polish star had only recently returned from a similar injury suffered earlier in the campaign.
Tensions have risen inside the Barcelona camp following the news. Manager Hansi Flick and the medical staff are said to be frustrated by what they see as a lack of judgment from one of the squad’s most experienced figures.
Reports suggest that club officials believe Lewandowski should have immediately requested a substitution instead of risking aggravation.
The incident has reignited Barcelona’s long-standing frustration with injuries sustained during international duty. The club has already seen several key players, including Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, pick up knocks while representing their countries.
Flick had previously criticized Spain’s coaching staff for overusing young winger Lamine Yamal, and this latest situation adds to his growing irritation.
Barcelona’s medical department has also raised concerns about how Poland’s team handled Lewandowski’s condition, particularly since he was returning from a pre-season thigh strain.
Lewandowski’s absence is expected to have a major impact on Barcelona’s upcoming fixtures. The striker will likely miss at least six matches across La Liga and the Champions League, including games against Girona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid.
