Veteran forward won’t return to Barcelona despite picking up minor injury during international break | OneFootball

Robert Lewandowski picked up a minor calf injury during Poland’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Lithuania on Friday.

The veteran striker scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the match but was forced to withdraw immediately after due to discomfort.

Despite this setback, he has chosen to remain with the Polish national team and is expected to be available for their upcoming match against Malta on Monday, reports Diario SPORT.

In short, he will not follow in the footsteps of Pau Cubarsi, who returned to Barcelona after picking up a minor knock against the Netherlands.

Lewandowski remains a crucial figure for a Poland squad that has been struggling in recent matches. Their narrow victory over Lithuania was a positive but they cannot underestimate Malta.

Lewandowski will continue with Poland despite knock (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Who can replace Lewandowski at Barça?

In the off chance Lewandowski does return to Barcelona after the international with a knock and gets ruled out for the Osasuna game, there are a few options Hansi Flick can always count on.

Ferran Torres emerges as the most likely alternative. The Spanish forward has impressed in recent matches, notably scoring a brace against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.

Another potential option is Dani Olmo, who has played as a false nine before, including in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey match against Betis.

Olmo was recently a substitute for Spain in their match against the Netherlands, and his role in the upcoming fixtures remains uncertain.

However, Barcelona will hope it won’t come to that and that Lewandowski returns safely despite struggling with a minor knock.