October 05, (THEWILL) – Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski, is set to miss a number of key fixtures, including the upcoming Clasico against Real Madrid, due to an ankle injury sustained during Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League victory over Porto.
The 35-year-old had to be withdrawn in the first half after taking a knock to his left ankle. Barca confirmed on Thursday, that Lewandowski’s recovery time will determine his availability. He will certainly miss this Sunday’s La Liga match against Granada and is a major doubt for the clashes with Athletic Bilbao, Shakhtar Donetsk and arch-rivals Madrid after the international break.
The Polish hitman also risks sitting out the Champions League home tie against Shakhtar Donetsk. The injury comes at a bad time for Lewandowski, who has been in scintillating goalscoring form this term. He has netted six goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, while also providing three assists. Barca currently trail league leaders and title rivals Madrid by a single point at the La Liga summit.
Lewandowski is also set to miss Poland’s crunch Euro 2024 qualifiers during the international break. His country sits fourth in Group E, two points adrift of third-placed Moldova, who occupy the final qualification berth. His absence will be keenly felt for the crucial clashes with Faroe Islands and Moldova.
Barca will hope their star striker can make a swift recovery and return to action after the international break. But his unavailability for the Clasico on October 28 would represent a major blow, with the Catalan giants aiming to usurp Real at the top of La Liga.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
