Barcelona’s Sunday clash against Real Sociedad brought an unexpected setback, as both Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal have been sidelined with injuries, Soccernet.football reports.
While midfielder Frenkie de Jong was confirmed fit after a health scare, Barcelona now face the prospect of their star striker and promising winger missing upcoming matches.
The Polish Football Association officially announced that Lewandowski will miss their UEFA Nations League encounters with Portugal and Scotland due to a back injury sustained during Barcelona’s league match against Sociedad.
The association stated: “The Polish Football Association has announced that Robert Lewandowski will not take part in the November training camp of the Polish national team, preparing for the UEFA Nations League matches against Portugal and Scotland. The reason for the absence of the captain of the national team is a back injury he suffered in the league match against Real Sociedad, ruling him out of action for about ten days.”
Lewandowski’s absence is anticipated to last just ten days, which should see him fit in time for Barcelona’s La Liga return against Celta Vigo after the international break.
In addition to Lewandowski, Barcelona confirmed on Monday that Lamine Yamal, who missed the Sociedad game, is now set for a longer spell on the sidelines. Tests revealed that Yamal has suffered a grade 1 syndesmosis injury in his right ankle.
“Tests performed on the morning of Monday 11 November have revealed that Lamine Yamal has a grade 1 syndesmosis injury in his right ankle. He is expected to be out of action for between two and three weeks,” Barcelona’s statement read.
The 17-year-old Spanish international will also miss Spain’s upcoming Nations League matches and is expected to be out for two to three weeks.
His absence was clearly felt in Barcelona’s loss to Sociedad, and he may miss both their La Liga return against Celta Vigo and a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Brest.