Barcelona Stunned by Unexpected Robert Lewandowski Injury News
Robert Lewandowski is expected to be ready for action when Barcelona face Levante at the Estadi Ciutat de València, according to reports.
The forward, who picked up a hamstring problem during training before Barcelona's last preseason match against Como, was absent for the Catalans' La Liga season opener. The club didn't provide a specific recovery timeframe for Lewandowski, but the Polish skipper was anticipated to be sidelined for approximately three weeks.
AS indicates that Lewandowski has made a quicker-than-expected recovery and will rejoin Hansi Flick's roster for the Valencia trip, assuming no complications arise. While the 36-year-old may not be ready for a starting role, he could potentially feature as a substitute in Saturday's encounter.
Lewandowski's rapid return is excellent news for Barcelona. The striker topped the team's scoring charts last campaign, netting 42 goals in all competitions.
Flick will undoubtedly welcome having Lewandowski back to spearhead his attack as quickly as possible, particularly after the coach expressed disappointment with his team's performance despite scoring three goals against a nine-man Mallorca side.
"I wasn't satisfied with the match," Flick told reporters following Barcelona's 3–0 triumph. "Those are three crucial points, but I wasn't pleased with it.
"I need to speak with them. I don't want them becoming complacent. We needed to dominate possession and the match. We must find the net [more frequently]," Flick continued.
Ferran Torres stepped in for Lewandowski at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on Saturday and netted Barcelona's second goal of the match. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal also found the scoresheet, launching their respective 2025–26 seasons in impressive fashion.
Nevertheless, it's clear that Barcelona's offensive threat reaches its peak with Lewandowski leading the attack. The striker claimed second place in the Pichichi Trophy standings last season and had already scored twice in his three preseason outings for the Catalans this summer.
Barcelona have not yet officially announced Lewandowski's availability for the club's meeting with Levante on Saturday, Aug. 23.