As FC Barcelona prepares to face Como in the prestigious Joan Gamper Trophy this weekend, the club has been hit with a significant injury concern.
The Catalans, eager to showcase their strength in this traditional pre-season fixture, will have to adjust their plans due to an unexpected absence in their attacking lineup.
The injury, confirmed by the club, casts a shadow over their preparations and raises questions about their readiness for the upcoming La Liga campaign.
The player sidelined is none other than star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has been ruled out due to muscle discomfort in the biceps femoris of his left thigh.
According to the club’s official statement, “The player has muscle discomfort and is ruled out for Sunday, with his recovery determining future availability.”
While no specific timeline was provided, this ambiguity leaves fans and coach Hansi Flick anxious about whether the veteran forward will be fit for Barcelona’s La Liga opener against Mallorca next week.
Lewandowski’s absence is a blow, given his pivotal role in the squad’s attacking dynamics.
With Lewandowski unavailable, Flick faces a tactical dilemma in the No. 9 position for the Como clash.
The situation is further complicated by doubts surrounding Ferran Torres, who missed the team’s recent pre-season friendly in South Korea due to discomfort and has not trained consistently.
Should Torres also be ruled out, Flick may turn to new signing Marcus Rashford to fill the centre-forward role.
This could provide an early opportunity for Rashford to prove his worth, though it places significant pressure on the newcomer in a high-profile match.
Barcelona’s depth will be tested, and Flick’s ability to adapt will be under scrutiny.
The Joan Gamper Trophy, a celebrated annual event, offers a chance to build momentum, but this injury setback highlights the challenges ahead.
Comunicado médico ❗
Robert Lewandowski tiene unas molestias musculares en el bíceps femoral del muslo izquierdo. Es baja para el domingo y su evolución marcará su disponibilidad pic.twitter.com/FC5HpTggpS
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) August 8, 2025
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