Barcelona hit by brutal injury blow as key attacker is officially ruled out for the decisive Atletico Madrid Copa del Rey clash.
The club’s medical update, released late Sunday, revealed that the player sustained a fractured eye socket during a recent training session, ruling him out of the high‑stakes Madrid derby at Metropolitano.
The injury has raised concerns within the squad and fanbase, not only because of the physical severity but also due to the timing, with the title race and La Liga table still finely balanced.
The player in question is Robert Lewandowski, the Polish striker who has been central to Barcelona’s attacking structure this season.
The club’s official statement specified that the 37‑year‑old suffered an orbital fracture in a non‑match training collision, adding that he will now undergo a period of rest and medical supervision before doctors decide on a timeline for his return.
While Lewandowski wore a protective mask in the past to manage similar facial issues, this latest setback has forced Barcelona to plan for his absence in one of the most demanding fixtures of the campaign.
Hansi Flick’s options in attack are now more constrained, with the Polish veteran expected to miss at least the Atlético tie and possibly additional fixtures depending on healing progress.
The coach will likely reshuffle his front line, drawing on younger options such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, or promoting a more central role for midfielders like Pedri and Gavi to support the lone striker.
Beyond the immediate impact on the matchday squad, Lewandowski’s absence also exposes the club’s reliance on a still‑phenomenal but ageing forward.
Whether this injury becomes a short‑term setback or a longer‑term concern will depend on how quickly the fracture heals and how confidently the rest of the squad can step up in his absence.
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