Barcelona may have a potential setback with Robert Lewandowski’s injury just as they face a challenging run of upcoming games, including the season’s first El Clasico against Real Madrid later this month.
Lewandowski started on the bench for Poland’s UEFA Nations League match against Croatia on Tuesday. He was subbed on after an hour to help his team fight back from a 3-1 deficit. The veteran striker even assisted Sebastian Szymanski’s equalizer.
Before the game, Poland’s national coach Michal Probierz explained on TV that Lewandowski had been dealing with a “slight injury,” which may explain his limited involvement. After the match, Lewandowski was seen walking with a slight limp as he passed reporters but hinted that his leg was mostly fine.
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Despite turning 36 this summer, Lewandowski has been in top form this season, already netting 12 goals in 11 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League for Barcelona. His recent hat-trick against Alaves shows he’s still at his best. Last season, he scored 26 goals in all competitions, which, while impressive, was his first time falling below 30 since 2014/15.
Barcelona’s forward options beyond Lewandowski are slim. Ferran Torres, who can play as a central striker, picked up a hamstring injury in the recent win against Alaves. That leaves 22-year-old Pau Victor, who joined from Girona this summer, as the only backup option at center-forward. Victor scored in his full debut last month against Osasuna, but he primarily plays as a left winger.
Barcelona have a packed schedule ahead with Sevilla up next this Sunday, followed by a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich, and the big El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.