Barcelona have been dealt a massive blow, as Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of action with injury.
The striker was withdrawn in the first half of yesterday’s Champions League victory at Porto, and Barcelona have now confirmed that he picked up an ankle strain and had to be taken off.
His replacement, Ferran Torres, scored the only goal of the game as Xavi’s side made it two wins in two games in the group.
However, Lewandowski’s injury may keep him out for some time, and he could now miss El Clasico later this month.
Lewandowski’s injury
The 35-year-old picked up an ankle injury, and Spanish publication SPORT have now claimed that his injury will rule him out of action for more than a month.
With Barcelona set to face Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 28th, at Montjuic, it seems almost certain that they will be without their star striker.
Lewandowski famously scored four times in one game against Real Madrid in 2013, during a Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund, and also scored against them in a 3-1 victory in La Liga last season.
It is a gutting blow for Barcelona, who are also missing Frenkie De Jong, Pedri and Raphinha through injury.
Lewandowski’s replacement
The obvious choice for Lewandowski’s replacement is Ferran Torres. The winger is capable of playing through the middle, and his performance in Porto showed that he can pop up with vital goals in the absence of the veteran.
Torres has started the season well, with four goals in nine appearances so far, and has been unlucky to not start more games, given the form of Joao Felix and Lamine Yamal in wide areas.
Lewandowski has been in good form since Felix’s arrival, after starting the season slowly, and has scored six and assisted four times in 10 games.
He will be a big loss for Xavi, particularly in El Clasico, but this does give Torres the chance to show why he should be starting more games.