Flick eyes Torres as temporary fix, but hopes for quick Lewandowski return
Despite being hopeful about filling the void left by the team’s top scorer, coach Hansi Flick is still waiting anxiously for Robert Lewandowski’s quick return.
Just as Barcelona’s dream of a treble was gaining momentum, the injury to Lewandowski has come as a major setback for Flick. But dwelling on the problem won’t help. To deal with the situation, the coach is planning to deploy Ferran Torres in place of his star striker.
Lewandowski picked up a foot injury during Saturday’s thrilling 4-3 La Liga win over Celta Vigo. He left the field in the 78th minute with visible discomfort. The sight of him clutching his foot on the bench sparked immediate concern. A day later, the club confirmed the injury, although they didn’t specify a return timeline.
While Barcelona hasn’t revealed how long Lewandowski will be out, media reports suggest the Polish striker could miss up to three weeks.
That timeline puts Barça in a tough spot, as they face crucial matches across all competitions: the Copa del Rey final, a Champions League semi-final, and their next La Liga clash at home against Mallorca on Tuesday.
In Monday’s press conference, Flick expressed his disappointment over losing a player who’s scored 25 goals in La Liga and 40 across all competitions this season.
“We’ll have to wait and see (when he can return). We’ll be very happy when he’s ready to play. We don’t know how long he’ll be out, so for now, it’s better not to say anything.”
To fill the gap, Flick is considering Torres as a center forward.
“It’s a big deal. It’s important to manage the situation well. I think he (Torres) is in a very good place in his career; he’s scored 10 goals in La Liga. In my opinion, the number nine position suits him. He’s a fast player, has good ball control, and can also contribute defensively.”
“He’s in great form right now, but we have to be ready for anything. We’ll need him for the rest of the season.”
Barcelona currently sit at the top of the league table with 73 points from 32 games, holding a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.
Up next: a Copa del Rey final showdown with Real Madrid on Saturday, followed by a Champions League semi-final clash with Inter Milan—two legs scheduled for April 30 and May 6.
