Barcelona’s star striker Robert Lewandowski is likely to miss the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid due to a serious hamstring injury sustained during international duty with Poland. The club has confirmed that Lewandowski suffered a muscle tear in the biceps femoris of his left thigh on October 12, 2025. This injury is expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, ruling him out of not only the El Clasico on October 26 but also several other critical matches during this crucial phase of the season.
The injury occurred during a World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania, where Lewandowski played the full 90 minutes and scored a goal before feeling discomfort. Upon returning to Barcelona, further medical evaluations confirmed the muscle tear. Lewandowski’s absence is a significant blow to Barcelona, as he has been one of the team’s main goal scorers this season, with four goals in nine appearances. His injury compounds an already growing list of sidelined key players including Dani Olmo, Gavi, Raphinha, and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick faces a challenging task ahead, needing to compensate for the loss of such a prolific forward. The team will likely depend more on younger and less experienced players such as Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford to fill the gap up front. The upcoming schedule includes tough fixtures against Girona, Olympiacos in the Champions League, Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo before the international break, making Lewandowski’s absence even more impactful.
Rehabilitation from this type of hamstring injury must be approached carefully to avoid further damage or a prolonged absence. The club is expected to monitor his recovery closely and ensure he only returns to play when fully fit. Though Raphinha might recover in time to support the attack, the lack of Lewandowski’s leadership and finishing ability will be a significant disadvantage, especially in high-stakes games like El Clasico.
Lewandowski Injury Details and Upcoming Matches Impact
| Injury Details | Date of Injury | Expected Recovery Time | Matches Likely Missed | Impact on Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamstring muscle tear (biceps femoris, left thigh) | October 12, 2025 | 4-6 weeks | Real Madrid (El Clasico Oct 26), Girona, Olympiacos, Elche, Club Brugge, Celta Vigo | Loss of key striker, reliance on less experienced forwards, weaker attack during a crucial fixture run |
This table highlights the severity of the injury, the timing, and the broader implications for Barcelona’s campaign. With Lewandowski out, Barcelona’s attacking threat diminishes significantly, forcing tactical adjustments and placing pressure on other squad members to step up.
In conclusion, Robert Lewandowski’s injury presents a tough challenge for Barcelona as they prepare for El Clasico and other important matches. His expected absence due to a hamstring muscle tear removes a vital goal scorer from the lineup for up to six weeks. The team must now rely on alternative offensive options while hoping for the striker’s full recovery and return to form later in the season. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Barcelona’s performance in this demanding period without their star forward.