Robert Lewandowski suffered a serious injury during the last league match. The captain of the Polish national team is suffering from an orbital bone fracture, which rules him out of the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid. Although initial diagnoses suggested a longer break, the footballer intends to return to play in a special protective mask. Meanwhile, in the Spanish league, Valencia defeated Osasuna, and Girona fell to Celta Vigo in exciting matchups of the 26th round.

Serious injury for Lewandowski

A fracture of the left orbit rules the Pole out of the match against Atlético Madrid, which is a huge weakening for Flick's team.

Planned return in a mask

The striker wants to shorten the recovery time and return to the pitch in a protective mask to support the team in the decisive phase of the season.

Valencia's breakthrough and Girona's defeat

In the 26th round of La Liga, Valencia defeated Osasuna 1:0, while Girona fell to Celta Vigo 1:2 despite dominating the game.

Serious squad problems have hit the leader of the Spanish top division ahead of a key clash in the domestic cup. Robert Lewandowski, the offensive pillar of FC Barcelona, suffered a fracture of the orbit. Available information indicates the striker sustained the injury during a challenge for the ball in the last league match, managing to score despite the pain. The Catalan club's medical staff confirmed the injury, casting doubt not only on his participation in the Copa del Rey but also in the crucial playoff match for the Polish national team against Albania. Coach Hansi Flick is currently considering an alternative attacking setup, in which Dani Olmo could play the role of a false nine instead of the Polish sniper. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the player's entourage is sending optimistic signals regarding the pace of recovery. Lewandowski personally insists on returning as soon as possible and is ready to play in a specially prepared protective mask, similar to those used by other players after facial injuries. However, this situation is sparking considerable controversy in the media, which are debating the safety of such a quick return to full physical contact on the pitch. At the same time, sports media report on political reshuffling within Barcelona, where rivals of president Joan Laporta are trying to unite forces ahead of upcoming elections, further intensifying the tense atmosphere around the Camp Nou club. In 2015, Robert Lewandowski suffered a similar injury before the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona, playing for Bayern Munich at the time in a distinctive black protective mask. In the shadow of the giant's problems, league play continues. Valencia recorded an extremely valuable 1:0 victory over Osasuna, allowing them to breathe easier in the middle of the table. Ramazani and Sadiq were the heroes of the match, although José Gayà's unusual behavior during a penalty kick drew the most comments. Meanwhile, Girona, the revelation of the competition, had to concede superiority to Celta Vigo, losing 1:2. Despite the Catalan team's optical dominance, the Galician squad demonstrated deadly efficiency, turning the match around in the second half. Girona's defeat complicates their dreams of the highest positions, while Celta gains distance from the relegation zone. „Robert Lewandowski sufre una fractura en la órbita de su ojo izquierdo y será baja para el partido ante el Atlético.” (Robert Lewandowski suffers a fracture in the orbit of his left eye and will be unavailable for the match against Atlético.) — FC Barcelona statement

Mentioned People

  • Robert Lewandowski — FC Barcelona striker and captain of the Polish national team, who suffered an orbital fracture.
  • Hansi Flick — FC Barcelona coach, responsible for tactical choices in Lewandowski's absence.
  • Joan Laporta — FC Barcelona president, facing opposition within the club.