"Felt discomfort and then there was some pain" - Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski provides fitness update after Poland's Nations League win
Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has provided a worrying update for fans of his side after featuring for Poland in the UEFA Nations League against Scotland. The experienced striker didn't complete the game as he appeared to pick up an injury in the second half at Hampden Park on September 5.
Lewandowski has been reunited with former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick following his appointment as Barcelona boss in the summer. Flick's arrival has coincided with a brilliant start to the 2024-25 season for the 36-year-old striker, with four goals and an assist in four games.
Poland began their UEFA Nations League campaign against Scotland, and captain Robert Lewandowski was on the scoresheet before exiting through injury. After the game, the striker told the media that he had left the pitch after feeling pain, in a bid to protect himself.
He said via 90min:
"I felt discomfort and then there was some pain, I realised that if I took a risk today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow it could be much worse.
"For the good of the team and for my health, the decision was made to leave the field. The season will be very demanding. I could have up to 70 games ahead of me, so I need to manage my strength and energy wisely."
Poland took the lead in the game through Sebastian Szymanski after a Lewandowski assist in the eighth minute. The Barcelona man scored a penalty a minute before half-time. Scotland scored twice in the second half through Billy Gilmour (46') and Scott McTominay (76') to draw level. Nicola Zalewski (90+7') then scored a late penalty to win the game for Poland.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick will keep a close eye on the situation of Lewandowski, seeing as he is the only out-and-out striker at the club. The manager may have to rely on youngster Pau Victor to provide cover in attack if Lewandowski picks up an injury.
Barcelona forward nearing return from injury - Reports
Barcelona ace Ansu Fati is reportedly closing in on a return to full fitness, having not featured for the side all summer. The Spanish forward is set to return to the squad for the league game against Girona, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Fati spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, where he scored twice in 19 league appearances. He returned to his parent club at the end of the season and managed to impress new manager Hansi Flick in pre-season.
Ansu Fati has been out injured with plantar fasciitis since pre-season but is nearing a return to the side. He will provide quality attacking depth for Flick's side as they look to build on an excellent start to the 2024-25 season.