Barcelona Handed Major Injury Blow Ahead of Inter Showdown | OneFootball

Runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona will likely encounter Inter in their heavyweight Champions League semi-final tie without Robert Lewandowski. According to the club’s statement on X, the Polish veteran has sustained a semitendinosus injury and will undergo careful examinations in the coming days.

Though Barcelona stated that the 36-year-old’s return ‘will be determined by his progress,’ Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has other prognoses. Indeed, there’s a genuine possibility for the former Bayern Munich striker to sit out the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid and the first leg against Inter.

Barcelona will take on Los Blancos in the Copa del Rey final next week without their most prolific forward. Lewandowski has proved age is just a number in his case. Working with his ex-Bayern boss, Hansi Flick, the Poland captain has rolled back the years to tally an eye-catching 40 goals from 48 appearances.

Lewandowski has been outstanding in the Champions League, netting 11 times in 12 matches. Therefore, his absence could significantly derail Barcelona’s chances of overcoming Inter in the semi-finals. With the Polish superstar out, Flick will likely turn to Ferran Torres to fill the vacancy in the final third.

However, replacing a player of Lewandowski’s quality and stature is no easy task. His clinical finishing, aerial dominance, and wealth of experience make him a rare asset. Meanwhile, Inter defenders will not have a field day against Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. But they will breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they won’t have to worry about Lewandowski.