Pain at the worst possible time

Concern hit Barcelona this Saturday when striker Robert Lewandowski was forced to leave the pitch with an apparent injury during their LaLiga match against Celta de Vigo. The Polish forward requested a substitution in the 78th minute after grabbing the back of his right thigh, suggesting a possible muscle issue.

Though he walked off under his own power, the expression on his face told a different story. He was replaced by young midfielder Pablo Páez Gavira ‘Gavi’, prompting a tactical reshuffle for the remainder of the match.

Barça facing key stretch with uncertainty

The timing of Lewandowski’s potential injury couldn’t be worse for Hansi Flick’s squad. The Catalans are about to enter a make-or-break part of the season with crucial domestic and European fixtures on the horizon.

Barcelona is set to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on April 26, and shortly after, they’ll take on Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals on April 30 and May 6. On top of that, the remaining LaLiga matches are critical as the team continues to battle for the title.

No official medical update has yet been released by the club regarding the extent of Lewandowski’s injury. If confirmed, his absence would be a serious blow to the team’s ambitions across all competitions.

Both fans and coaching staff are hoping it turns out to be a minor issue. Still, the early signs are worrying, as Lewandowski is a key piece of Barcelona’s attacking setup, especially in high-pressure matches.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Polish star will be fit for the decisive encounters that will define Barcelona’s season.