Barcelona forward, Robert Lewandowski, is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, ruling him out of key fixtures, including the highly anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid, after sustaining a thigh injury.

According to ESPN, the Polish striker could face up to five weeks out, dealing a fresh blow to Barça’s attacking setup as they enter a decisive phase of the season.

The injury crisis at Camp Nou deepens, with Dani Olmo and Gavi also confirmed absentees for the October 26 showdown in Madrid.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope as Lamine Yamal and Fermín López have returned to training, while Raphinha is also nearing full fitness ahead of the derby clash. Goalkeepers Joan García and Marc-André ter Stegen remain unavailable.

Lewandowski, 37, had already missed the start of the campaign with a muscle problem and only made his first start of the season in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle United on September 18.

Despite scoring four goals in nine appearances so far, he’s now set for another spell on the sidelines.

In his absence, Ferran Torres and Marcus Rashford are expected to share central attacking duties for Hansi Flick’s side.

The veteran striker will sit out Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Girona and the midweek Champions League clash with Olympiacos before Barça’s visit to the Santiago Bernabéu.

He’s also likely to miss upcoming matches against Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo before the next international break.

Meanwhile, Olmo, recovering from a calf injury and García could make their comebacks in early November. Gavi and Ter Stegen remain long-term absentees.

Barcelona will be desperate to rediscover their winning form after suffering back-to-back defeats before the international break.

Flick’s men currently trail Real Madrid by two points in the La Liga standings as the title race begins to heat up.