Barcelona’s conflict with Olympiacos within the UEFA Champions League was anticipated to be a turning level within the membership’s European marketing campaign — an evening for redemption at Montjuic. As a substitute, Robert Lewandowski’s title was nowhere to be discovered on the teamsheet. As Hansi Flick’s Barcelona look to regain their rhythm after an inconsistent begin to the season, followers had been left asking the plain query: Why isn’t Lewandowski enjoying tonight?
The Polish striker, some of the dependable figures in European soccer, has not often missed a serious sport since becoming a member of Barcelona. His absence forward of an important group-stage encounter raised eyebrows and concern in equal measure. The Spaniards, already underneath stress after their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, should now face Olympiacos with out their veteran goalscorer — a blow that reshapes the staff’s attacking construction simply days earlier than El Clasico.
The Blaurgana’s Champions League marketing campaign has been something however clean. After two matches, the Catalan facet sits mid-table of their group, with three factors from a win over Newcastle and a irritating dwelling loss to PSG. With Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford anticipated to hold the assault, Flick’s facet should rediscover their sharpness in entrance of purpose — one thing they usually depend on Lewandowski to offer.
Olympiacos, led by Spanish coach Jose Luis Mendilibar, have only one level within the group however are identified for his or her disciplined, defensive construction and quick counters. For them, the journey to Spain represents each a problem and a possibility to capitalize on a weakened Barcelona facet. Nonetheless, the query loomed: the place is Robert Lewandowski, and why is he lacking such an important match?
Why Robert Lewandowski is lacking
Halfway via the week, Barcelona launched a short medical assertion that offered readability — although it additionally deepened the intrigue. “Lewandowski suffered an harm to his left thigh and can endure a restoration program,” the membership stated. No particular return date was offered, however Spanish outlet Diario AS later reported that the striker might be sidelined for as much as 4 weeks, successfully ruling him out of El Clasico.
In response to stories, Lewandowski sustained a muscle pressure in his left hamstring whereas on worldwide responsibility with Poland. The timing might hardly be worse for Barcelona, with the Champions League group section heating up and key La Liga fixtures on the horizon. What makes the story much more outstanding, nonetheless, is the way it unfolded.
Robert Lewandowski of Poland
Damage far worse than anticipated
Polish journalist Mateusz Swiecicki supplied perception into Lewandowski’s response upon studying the extent of his downside. “Lewy was satisfied he’d be again in motion in two days. Nonetheless, after the assessments, the response was: ‘Oh, it is a significant issue,’” he revealed. “His well being, in his opinion, was utterly totally different from what the assessments confirmed.”
Poland coach Jan City added additional confusion when he questioned Barcelona’s analysis. Chatting with Catalunya Radio, City stated, “For me, a muscle tear doesn’t assist you to run at full pace. Everyone knows that in soccer. I don’t perceive it.” He identified that Lewandowski had performed the complete 90 minutes and even scored in Poland’s World Cup qualifier in opposition to Lithuania.
City later softened his stance, admitting that “when there are such a lot of matches, it’s not value risking a participant’s well being.”
