Lamine Yamal was one of FC Barcelona’s breakout stars last season, and the Spanish club has big ambitions for the 2025-26 campaign as it chases the UEFA Champions League. But heading into their final preseason test, the Joan Gamper Trophy, the Catalan side has been hit with an untimely injury blow to one of its key players.
The Joan Gamper Trophy is Barcelona’s traditional home friendly, played in honor of the club’s founder and first president, and serves as the final tune-up before the competitive season begins. For the 2025 edition on Sunday, Aug. 10, Barca will face Cesc Fabregas’ Como. However, they’ll have to do so without one of their biggest names.
Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in his left thigh during Friday’s training session. While the club has not provided a recovery timeline, the Polish striker will miss Sunday’s matchup against Como.
Barcelona issued a brief statement on the matter. “The first team player Robert Lewandowski has a hamstring problem in his left thigh. The striker is unavailable for Sunday’s game and his recovery will determine his return,” the statement read.
Lewandowski featured in all three of Barcelona’s Asia-Pacific preseason friendlies, playing 45 minutes in each match. He notched an assist in the 3-1 victory over Vissel Kobe and scored in both the 7-3 win against FC Seoul and the 5-0 rout of Daegu FC.
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The 36-year-old proved last season that he can still deliver at the highest level, finishing as Barcelona’s top scorer with 42 goals in 52 appearances. With La Liga set to kick off for Barça on Saturday, Aug. 16, against RCD Mallorca, the uncertainty over Lewandowski’s return has sparked concern among fans and teammates alike.
Dani Olmo another question mark
While Lewandowski has been officially sidelined, Dani Olmo is also in doubt for Sunday’s Gamper clash. The Spanish midfielder trained apart from the squad on Friday due to muscle fatigue, and a final decision on his availability will be made closer to kickoff.
Manager Hansi Flick does have attacking depth to work with following the signing of Marcus Rashford. Ferran Torres is the most likely candidate to lead the line in Lewandowski’s absence, while Olmo’s potential absence could see Rashford shift to the left wing, freeing space for Raphinha or even Yamal to operate just behind the striker.
