Barcelona fans received encouraging news this week as reports from Spain confirmed that Robert Lewandowski is on the verge of returning to action after his recent injury. According to Mundo Deportivo journalist Ferran Martínez, the Polish striker could make his comeback on Sunday, November 2, in Barcelona’s La Liga match against Elche, part of the 11th round of the season. Lewandowski, who has been sidelined for several weeks with a minor muscular issue, resumed full training with the main squad earlier this week at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Club sources have expressed confidence that Lewandowski is physically ready and motivated to return. “Robert looks sharp, his recovery went perfectly, and he’s eager to help the team again,” said one member of the technical staff. The striker himself is understood to be pushing to be included in the squad for the Elche game, with the medical team expected to make a final decision after the last training session before matchday. For Barcelona, Lewandowski’s return comes at a crucial moment.
While much of the attention has been on Lewandowski, Barcelona also received positive news regarding goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who is recovering faster than expected. The 23-year-old shot-stopper suffered a thigh injury earlier this month, raising concerns that he might be sidelined for several weeks. However, recent updates from the club’s medical department indicate that Garcia is on track for a full recovery and could be fit for selection against Elche as well. According to reports from the Blaugrana dressing room, optimism surrounding Garcia’s progress has grown significantly.
His dedication during rehabilitation sessions and the absence of pain during individual drills have encouraged both the coaching staff and teammates. He joined light group training earlier this week, signaling that his comeback is imminent. Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation has been under careful management. With Marc-André ter Stegen carrying a heavy workload, having Garcia back provides valuable depth and flexibility. Flick has often emphasized the importance of competition for every position, and Garcia’s return will help maintain intensity in training and ensure the squad remains balanced.
Team insiders believe that even if Garcia is not fully ready to start, he could be included on the bench to regain rhythm and confidence. His calm demeanor, strong reflexes, and distribution make him a valuable alternative option between the posts.The simultaneous recoveries of Lewandowski and Garcia mark a turning point for Barcelona after a difficult stretch marked by injuries. Over the past month, the Catalan side has been forced to cope without several first-team regulars, including Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Raphinha. These absences have disrupted the team’s rhythm and limited Flick’s tactical choices.
Lewandowski’s injury had been particularly significant. The veteran forward remains Barcelona’s top scorer and focal point in attack. Even at 36, his professionalism and physical conditioning continue to impress the coaching staff. Before his setback, he had already contributed several goals and assists in both domestic and European competitions. His return is expected to restore efficiency to the frontline, especially in matches where Barcelona has struggled to convert chances.
Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Lewandowski’s influence extends throughout the dressing room. His professionalism, focus, and experience continue to inspire younger players such as Lamine Yamal and Fermín López, who have taken on more responsibility during his absence. Flick has frequently praised the striker’s mentorship role, calling him “a standard-setter who makes everyone around him better.”
In tactical terms, Lewandowski’s presence transforms Barcelona’s attack. His ability to hold up play, link with midfielders, and finish clinically gives the team a focal point that no other forward currently provides. With creative players like João Félix, Pedri, and Gündoğan returning to fitness, Lewandowski’s comeback could reignite Barcelona’s fluid offensive style. The Polish forward’s hunger to compete remains undiminished. Sources close to the player have revealed that he has been training with exceptional determination, intent on returning stronger. Having missed key fixtures, Lewandowski is eager to contribute not just in the league but also in the Champions League, where Barcelona aims to secure early qualification for the knockout stage.
