Lewandowski, Injured and Out of the Final

Lewandowski will be sidelined for around three weeks. Medical tests carried out on the Polish striker this Sunday morning have confirmed a semitendinosus injury in his left thigh — an issue already suspected after initial examinations following the match against Celta. Lewandowski had to be substituted in the 77th minute, and his reaction on the pitch clearly signaled the severity of the problem.

Lewandowski’s Recovery Timeline: Uncertain Return

FC Barcelona has officially announced, through a statement released by the club’s medical staff, that Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has suffered a muscle tear in the semitendinosus muscle of his left thigh. The injury was confirmed following medical tests conducted on Sunday morning. The duration of his absence from the pitch will depend on how quickly he responds to treatment and how his recovery progresses in the coming days.

Robert ’s absence is a major blow for the Catalan side, especially considering the importance of the upcoming fixtures in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. The team heavily relies on his experience and effectiveness in the penalty area. He will now follow a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club’s medical team, with the goal of ensuring a full recovery without risking his long-term health.

Lewandowski’s Absence: A Blow to Barcelona’s Season

His absence is a major blow for Barcelona at one of the most decisive stages of the season, with the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid coming up next Saturday, a Champions League semifinal clash with Inter, and the La Liga Clásico scheduled for May 11. Lewandowski is expected to miss the Champions League tie and, at best, could return for the league match against Madrid at Montjuïc — although even that is uncertain. Optimistic forecasts aim for him to be available for the return leg against Inter Milan.

Lewandowski Misses His Copa Del Rey Role

The timing of Robert’s injury couldn’t have been more unfortunate for Barcelona. Even though the Polish striker wasn’t expected to start the Copa del Rey final — with Ferran Torres having earned Xavi Hernández’s trust as the preferred option throughout the competition — Lewandowski’s presence on the bench was considered almost certain. In fact, the only match he started in the tournament was against Barbastro, but his experience and game-changing ability made him an invaluable asset to have available, even as a substitute.

For both the coaching staff and the fans, Lewandowski represented more than just a prolific goal scorer. He was a seasoned leader, a player capable of shifting the momentum of a match with a single moment of brilliance, especially in high-pressure scenarios where calm, clinical finishing is essential. His absence strips Barcelona of that safety net — the kind of player you turn to when the match hangs in the balance and composure becomes the difference between victory and heartbreak.

Given the turbulent nature of Barcelona’s season, marked by inconsistent performances and a growing injury list, the blow is even more significant. Lewandowski, even when not part of the starting XI, remains a key tactical weapon — a late-game solution, a locker-room leader, and an on-field general capable of organizing and inspiring the team during critical moments.

Now, as Barcelona heads into one of the most decisive stretches of the season both domestically and in Europe, the absence of their veteran striker will put extra pressure on an attacking line that has often struggled for sharpness without him. His injury is not just a personal setback, but a new strategic challenge for Xavi and his squad.

The Moment for Ferran… or Olmo?

Robert’s injury paves the way for Ferran Torres to start. The Valencian forward was already in the starting lineup against Celta, scoring the opening goal of the match. The Copa del Rey has been his standout tournament this season, having started in the quarterfinal against Valencia and both legs of the semifinal against Atlético. He was also expected to start in the final at La Cartuja. Alongside Julián Álvarez and Endrick, Ferran leads the tournament’s scoring chart with five goals — one against Betis, three against Valencia, and one against Atlético.

Ferran Torres: Filling Lewandowski’s Boots

Ferran has earned the trust of coach Hansi Flick, and his stats reflect that confidence. In 2025, he has scored seven goals in LaLiga, in addition to the five he has netted in the Copa del Rey. His role within the team continues to grow. In LaLiga this season, only Lewandowski (nine) has scored the opening goal of a match for Barcelona more often than Ferran, who has done so three times.

Dani Olmo: Another Solution to Lewandowski’s Absence

Another alternative for Flick is Dani Olmo, who, after recovering from injury, proved decisive against Celta. He scored the 2-3 goal and won the penalty that Raphinha converted during stoppage time. While Olmo offers a different profile — more of a link-up player than a direct striker — he remains a reliable option to fill the gap left by Lewandowski.