Injured Barcelona star targeting sensational return in time for El Clasico against Real Madrid – Reports
Barcelona superstar Robert Lewandowski has offered hope of returning in time for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid. However, he has also asserted that he will not exert his ankle ligament issue.
Earlier last week, Lewandowski sustained an ankle injury during the Blaugrana's 1-0 UEFA Champions League group-stage win at Porto. He was replaced by Ferran Torres in the 34th minute of the contest.
Following his injury, the 35-year-old failed to be available for international selection for Poland. He has missed his nation's 2-0 victory over Faroe Islands and will also miss their tie against Moldova this week.
However, the former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund forward has provided quite a positive update on his injury recovery. Shedding light on his recent process, he elaborated (h/t Tribal Football):
"From Wednesday to Friday I rested, then I started rehab. I rested my leg for 7-10 days. This is the most important moment but we'll know more next week. It looks better than we thought. There's no return date, it depends on how the leg reacts. If I'm not fit, I won't push."
Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona from Bayern Munich in a potential €50 million deal last summer, is reportedly expected to be out of action for the rest of October. But, should his rehabilitation process show signs of progress, he could be back in time for El Clasico.
Barcelona, meanwhile, is expected to be hoping for Lewandowski's quick recovery as they crashed to a 2-2 draw against Granada in his absence last week. They will be hoping to field their veteran finisher in their La Liga contest against Real Madrid on October 28.
So far this campaign, Lewandowski has scored six goals and provided four assists in 10 matches across all competitions for the Blaugrana.
Barcelona star Fermin Lopez makes honest transfer admission about rivals Real Madrid
During an interview with SPORT, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez revealed that Real Madrid were once keen to sign him. He elaborated:
"Real Madrid once asked about me, but I have always been from Barcelona. My father never told me if there were teams that were interested, they let me on the sidelines, but one day he asked what I would do if Barça came and I told him I was leaving in a hurry."
Lopez, 20, has recently emerged as one of the latest La Masia graduates to earn a first-team spot at the Catalan side. He has made six senior appearances so far this campaign, scoring one goal in the process.
Last season, the former Real Betis youth player impressed during his season-long loan stint at Spanish third-tier outfit Linares Deportivo. He netted 12 goals and laid out four assists in 40 appearances for them.