Lewandowski may miss Copa del Rey clash against Real with hamstring strain

Barcelona's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski in action during the UEFA Europa league second leg match between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England on 23 February, 2023AFP

Robert Lewandowski is a doubt for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash with Real Madrid after the club confirmed he had a hamstring strain on Monday.

“Lewandowski has a strain in his left hamstring,” said Barcelona in a statement, without specifying the length of his expected absence.

Barcelona face Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday in the first leg of the cup tie, already without injured duo Pedri and Ousmane Dembele.

Polish striker Lewandowski, 34, is the team’s top scorer with 25 goals across all competitions this season after joining from Bayern Munich last summer.

Spanish news outlet Relevo report Lewandowski is set to miss around two weeks and return before Barcelona face Real Madrid in La Liga on 19 March, although other outlets say he may heal quicker.

FC Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski in action with Almeria's Chumi
Reuters

The second leg of the Copa del Rey clash does not take place until 5 April, by when the Catalans expect all their injured players to have recovered.

Barcelona were eliminated from the UEFA Europa League by Manchester United last week and suffered a second consecutive defeat on Sunday against Almeria in La Liga where it is suspected Lewandowski sustained his hamstring strain.

Xavi Hernandez’s side is seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of the table.