FC Barcelona are set to visit Son Moix to face RCD Mallorca in their first match of the 2025-26 La Liga season. After winning the league last year, expectations are sky-high for the defending champions. But when the lineups were announced, Robert Lewandowski’s absence raised immediate questions among fans.
The Blaugrana begin their second season under German coach Hansi Flick with the UEFA Champions League as the main objective following an impressive debut year. But the opener in Spain’s top flight comes with a major setback, as their star striker won’t be available.
Robert Lewandowski will miss the clash with Mallorca due to muscle issues in the femoral biceps of his left leg. While he did take part in Barcelona’s final training session, he was separated from the main group, signaling that he wasn’t fully fit to feature in the La Liga debut.
The problem is the same one that sidelined him for the Joan Gamper Trophy against Como. At that time, Barcelona released a statement confirming: “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.”
Lewandowski was one of Barcelona’s most decisive players last season, scoring 42 goals in 52 matches to lead the team in scoring. Entering the final year of his contract, the Polish forward has made clear he’s not focused on his future but on replicating his form from last year.
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With Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, and Raphinha expected to start in attacking roles, filling Lewandowski’s vacancy will be no easy task. Flick often turned to Ferran Torres as a backup striker during his first season, but newcomer Marcus Rashford could also be in the mix.
The English forward saw his first minutes in preseason coming off the bench, often replacing Raphinha on the left flank. However, his versatility across the front line means he can slot in centrally. For the opener against Mallorca, though, Flick has opted to start Ferran Torres as the striker.
