Huge blow for Barcelona as key forward suffers injury ahead of their Copa del Rey Round of 32 opener against CD Guadalajara.
Hansi Flick’s squad rotation plans now face fresh disruption, as the absence of a prolific talisman forces tactical reshuffles in attack, potentially handing more minutes to emerging threats like Roony Bardghji or intensifying the battle between bench options and starters.
The precautionary approach underscores Barcelona’s prioritization of high-stakes fixtures like the upcoming Villarreal showdown, where defensive solidity and firepower remain paramount in their title defense, leaving fans anxious about depth vulnerabilities exposed without their clinical finisher.
This development arrives just days after a gritty Osasuna stalemate, where subtle signs of discomfort had already hinted at brewing issues, amplifying concerns over fitness management in Flick’s high-intensity system.
That forward is Robert Lewandowski, the Polish superstar ruled out after skipping training due to hamstring discomfort, as confirmed by journalist Alfredo Martinez.
The 37-year-old, absent entirely from the Osasuna pitch despite a brief second-half warm-up, now faces confirmed absence from Tuesday’s cup tie – a match primed for rotation but now laden with caution to safeguard his availability for Sunday’s league test.
Lewandowski’s sidelining heightens internal striker rivalry with Ferran Torres, where Flick demands peak form and pressing intensity over pedigree alone.
Ferran Osasuna’s minutes underscore the competition, but without the veteran, Barcelona pivots to youth integration and squad players in a low-risk fixture against third-tier minnows.
Flick eyes broader distribution: Bardghji potentially starting on the right, midfield trials for De Jong, and youth like Cubarsi testing mettle.
The bigger picture reveals Barcelona’s fragility – Lewandowski’s output remains elite with double-digit goals, yet recurring niggles threaten momentum in a treble-chasing campaign.
Recovery timelines loom critical; a swift return bolsters Villarreal’s preparations, but prolonged absence risks over-reliance on unproven alternatives.
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