Barcelona is facing increasing injury challenges, with Robert Lewandowski suffering a thigh injury that will prevent him from participating in this month’s highly anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid.
The Catalan club announced on Tuesday that Lewandowski has a torn muscle in his left thigh. Sources have indicated to ESPN that the Poland striker may be sidelined for approximately five weeks, further limiting Barça’s attacking options during a critical period of the season.
Both Dani Olmo and Gavi will also be absent for the match against Madrid on Oct. 26. However, both Lamine Yamal and Fermín López have returned to training this week, and Raphinha is expected to be fit for the Clásico as well.
Goalkeepers Marc-André ter Stegen and Joan García remain out of action as well.
Lewandowski, who is 37, missed the beginning of the season due to a muscle issue and only made his first start for FC Barcelona in the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United in the Champions League on September 18.
This season, he has played nine matches and netted four goals but is now set for another extended absence, with Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford being the primary options for Barcelona in the central striker position.
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Lewandowski will miss the upcoming Saturday match against Girona as well as the Champions League match against Olympiacos before the trip to Madrid.
Following the match against Madrid, Barcelona will compete against Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo before the international break, all matches in which Lewandowski is unlikely to return.
Olmo, who sustained a calf injury last week, is expected to return in early November, as will García, but Gavi and Ter Stegen are facing a longer recovery period.
ESPN sources indicate that Raphinha, who has been out for the past three matches due to a thigh issue, is diligently working to be fit for the clash against Madrid, while Yamal and López are slated to be available for the match against Girona this weekend.