FC Barcelona released an official statement on its social media channels announcing the injury of Robert Lewandowski, the 36-year-old Polish striker. The center-forward, a key attacking player for the Blaugrana since his arrival in Catalonia, is suffering from a hamstring injury in his left leg. This injury will prevent him from participating in the match scheduled for Sunday, August 10, in the Joan Gamper Cup against the Italian club Como. In the message published on its official channels, the Catalan club stated: “Robert Lewandowski has suffered a hamstring injury in his left leg. The striker is unavailable for the next match. His return will depend on the progress of his recovery.”
This announcement has sparked a wave of reactions among Barça fans, worried to see their star striker sidelined at such a crucial point in their preseason preparations. The injury occurred on the eve of the final friendly match before the official start of the season, jeopardizing the Polish player’s participation in the opening La Liga fixtures. Initial medical examinations conducted by the club’s staff indicate a moderate injury, but one requiring a prolonged period of rest. The player could be sidelined for several weeks while he fully recovers.
Since arriving in Catalonia in the summer of 2022, Lewandowski has established himself as an indispensable part of Barcelona’s attacking system. With his experience, his goalscoring instinct, and his ability to mentor younger players, he has restored the team’s balance and efficiency, which had been lacking since Lionel Messi’s departure. Last season, the Polish national team captain scored 25 goals in all competitions, contributing significantly to the club’s Spanish league title. At 36, he continues to display impressive physical condition and exemplary professionalism, inspiring his teammates in every match.
However, this injury comes at a particularly bad time. New coach Hansi Flick was counting on Lewandowski to start the season in top form, especially in the Spanish Super Cup and the Champions League. His absence now forces the coaching staff to rethink the team’s attacking organization. Several options are being considered to compensate for this temporary absence. Vitor Roque, a young Brazilian talent, could benefit from increased playing time, while Ferran Torres and Raphinha could be repositioned in a more central role. Other solutions, such as promoting a player from La Masia, are not ruled out, especially if Lewandowski’s recovery is prolonged.
According to sources close to the club, the medical staff will adopt a cautious approach to avoid any relapse. The Polish striker, known for his rigor and discipline, is already working under the supervision of the club’s physiotherapists to accelerate his return while respecting the physiological healing process. Beyond his impressive statistics, Robert Lewandowski represents much more than just a goalscorer for FC Barcelona. He has become one of the leaders in the dressing room, bringing his experience gained at Bayern Munich and on the international stage. His guidance and work ethic have contributed to the development of young players like Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Gavi.
Since his arrival, he has also established himself as an ambassador for Barça’s resurgence, a symbol of stability during a period marked by the club’s financial difficulties. His competitive spirit and thirst for victory have won over both the fans and the management.
While the absence of the Polish striker is a cause for concern, FC Barcelona remains confident in the depth of its squad. The management and coaching staff believe the team has enough attacking options to compensate for this temporary absence.
The schedule for the coming weeks remains packed, with the resumption of La Liga, the Champions League group stage, and the Super Cup. Every match will count, but Hansi Flick offered reassurance: “Robert is a fundamental player for us, but we have a solid group, capable of stepping up. Now we need to give him the necessary time to fully recover.” The German coach, who knows Lewandowski well from their time together at Bayern Munich, is aware of how meticulous the player is in his physical preparation. “Robert never does anything halfway. He will return as soon as he is ready, and I have no doubt that he will come back stronger.”
