Lewandowski Returns as Barça Face Brugge: Injury Storm Tests Flick's Plans

Key selections and injuries ahead of Brugge clash

German coach Hansi Flick named Barcelona's squad for the Champions League trip to Club Brugge on Wednesday, as Barça seek to strengthen their position in the group.

The Catalans travel to Brugge in the fourth round, chasing their third win in the competition after a setback against Paris Saint-Germain in the second matchday.

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski returns to the squad for the first time in the competition after recovering from a knee issue.

The list also includes Spanish international Dani Olmo, while Rafinha, Pablo Gavi, Pedri Gonzalez, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain unavailable through injury or selection issues.

Rafinha's return timeline remains hopeful; the Brazilian is nearing full fitness but the decision to rush him back is taken with care, as Brazil's squad window ends without him featuring this time.

The medical staff, led by the club's head of preparation, continues to manage load and recovery after a wave of injuries, with AS reporting 13 different injuries in three months.

Barcelona's approach includes longer gym hours and individualized programs, sometimes with external experts, to tackle fatigue and rebuild form; Ferran Torres has been highlighted as an example of this proactive approach.

Despite some criticism, the club backs the physical preparation department and plans to push the squad back toward its usual level of readiness as soon as possible.

Punchline 1: Barça's bench might need its own medical plan—it's growing faster than the team's training schedule.

Punchline 2: If injuries were trophies, Barça would have a full cabinet by now; good thing the trophy room comes with a bigger medical budget.