Barcelona handed a major injury blow for El Clasico

The Blaugrana will take on Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday.

A hamstring injury has ruled Robert Lewandowski out of Thursday’s opening leg of the club’s Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Madrid.

In a brief statement on Monday, Barcelona announced Lewandowski’s absence from the Clasico. The forward has a strain on his left hamstring. Barca didn’t state when he could potentially be available for selection again.

The setback comes just three days before Xavi Hernandez’s side visits Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona are coming off two straight defeats going into the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final, with Lewandowski being the club’s sole goalscorer during this barren run.

The 34-year-old Poland international has managed 25 goals and six assists in 31 games across all competitions since his €45 million summer transfer from Bayern Munich.

MEDICAL NEWS | First team player Robert Lewandowski has a left hamstring strain. He is out and his recovery will determine his availability. pic.twitter.com/AmxWJ38B0O

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 27, 2023