Barcelona hit with early injury blow as Robert Lewandowski ruled out with hamstring injury

Lewandowski has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury in his left thigh, the club confirmed ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy match against Como on Sunday. The Polish forward will miss this pre-season fixture and his recovery progress will dictate his availability for the La Liga opener against Mallorca on August 16. No definitive timeline for his return has been provided, but the injury affects the same area that troubled him during the final part of last season. The news broke after him being linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.

Lewandowski was a key figure last season, scoring 42 goals in 52 appearances and helping Barcelona secure the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana titles. His absence disrupts Hansi Flick’s attacking plans ahead of the new campaign. With Lewandowski sidelined, Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres may lead the line in his absence. Rashford is set to deputise in the Joan Gamper Trophy, while Torres is recovering from a muscle overload but is training again and reportedly no longer a doubt for the game against Como. The injury adds to Barcelona’s ongoing squad challenges as some new signings remain unregistered due to club financial issues, impacting squad depth.

Dani Olmo is also struggling with a muscle strain as Barcelona added that he has been training separately from the rest of the squad ahead of the weekend's game.

Barcelona must adapt quickly without their star striker as they prepare for their final pre-season fixture and the upcoming La Liga campaign. Lewandowski’s progress will be closely monitored, with the hope he can return by the season opener against Mallorca. Meanwhile, manager Flick will rely on Rashford, Torres, and other attacking options to fill the gap.