Barcelona’s title ambitions have suffered a seismic jolt with captain Robert Lewandowski sidelined by a severe thigh injury. The Polish striker limped off during their dramatic 4-3 comeback win over Celta Vigo—marking his 100th La Liga appearance—and subsequent tests confirmed muscle damage. With the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid looming and a Champions League semi-final clash against Inter Milan on the horizon, Lewandowski’s absence couldn’t come at a worse time.
Barcelona’s medical team remains cautious about his return timeline, leaving the club’s silverware hopes hanging by a thread.
Robert Lewandowski 's crushing absence, Barcelona’s treble dreams in jeopardy
Diagnosed with a strained semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh, Lewandowski faces a minimum two-week recovery—ruling him out of the Copa del Rey final. Should the injury prove more severe, he could miss the Champions League semi-finals and a potential title-deciding Clasico against Real Madrid. The 35-year-old’s 22-goal contributions this season have been instrumental, and his physical presence in set-pieces is irreplaceable.
Ferran Torres, who replaced Robert Lewandowski against Celta only to be substituted later amid visible frustration, is the likely fill-in. While Torres offers pace and versatility, he lacks Lewandowski’s clinical edge and aerial dominance. Barcelona’s attack now hinges on tactical adjustments, possibly shifting to a faster, counter-attacking approach utilizing Ansu Fati’s flair and Torres’ movement.
"Tests carried out this Sunday have confirmed that first-team player Robert Lewandowski has an injury to the semitendinosus muscle in his left thigh," as per the official statement. "His return to team training will depend on how the injury progresses."
The midfield trio of Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong must elevate their creativity to offset the goal-scoring void. Defensive solidity becomes paramount, especially against Inter’s relentless press and Madrid’s firepower.
For Xavi Hernández, this injury crisis is a litmus test of his managerial mettle. Can he reinvent Barcelona’s identity mid-stream, or will the absence of their talismanic captain unravel their treble pursuit? As one club insider noted, “When Lewy’s out, everyone has to step up—no excuses.”