Barcelona dealt massive Robert Lewandowski blow as star striker could miss first month of La Liga action with injury

Reported by Football Espana, Lewandowski has suffered a 'fresh injury setback' just days before the beginning of the new La Liga season for the Blaugrana. The Poland striker will miss their final pre-season game against Como and their domestic opener against Mallorca on August 16, with Diario AS suggesting he will be out for two to three weeks after Barcelona confirmed a hamstring injury. This could mean he does not return to action until September.

Defending La Liga champions Barca are set to head into the new season without their star striker, who struck a massive 42 goals in all competitions last term, his best return at the club so far, and earned a Ballon d'Or nomination. The Catalan giants may be short of striking options for the season opener as Ferran Torres is also struggling with injury, while Marcus Rashford has not yet been registered to play in La Liga.

Lewandowski may be 37 by the time he returns to action, with his birthday fast approaching on August 21. With 643 career goals in 894 appearances, the Poland international is one of the best strikers of his generation and is expected to continue playing at the top for some time to come - though a fellow Poland legend recently urged him to move to Saudi Arabia.

Lewandowski will aim to be back as soon as possible to help ensure Barca make a strong start to their La Liga defence. Registering Rashford may make it easier for the champions to cope in the meantime, amidst controversy surrounding Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's injury absence and La Liga's rules regarding the filling of salary space taken up by players subject to long-term injuries. Following last season's issues which impacted signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, Barca will hope to avoid any similar problems dragging into the new season.