Barcelona have confirmed that club striker Robert Lewandowski has a left hamstring strain, picked up in the 1-0 defeat to Almería on Sunday.
The 34-year-old will now miss the Copa del Rey clash with Real Madrid on Thursday.
According to Spanish outlet Relevo, Lewandowski could be out of action for around two weeks, meaning he would not be available to Xavi Hernández for the league games against Valencia and Athletic Club.
With Pedri and Ousmane Dembélé ruled out for the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final this week, Lewandowski’s absence will mean Xavi will have to reshuffle the forward line.
It is Lewandowski’s first injury at Barcelona and comes at the most important stage of the season, with La Liga and the Copa del Rey at stake.
On Monday, the Poland international will undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury. He could return on March 19 for El Clásico against Real Madrid at Camp Nou – a crucial fixture as both clubs go head-to-head in the title race.
Kieran Quaile | GSFN
