Barcelona’s Bold Comeback Countdown: Lewandowski and Garcia Return as Elche Test Looms

Lewandowski and Garcia set for Elche clash

A Spanish press report this week suggests that Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s prolific striker, is close to featuring in the Elche match scheduled for this weekend at Montjuïc, as part of La Liga’s eleventh round. The report notes the Polish forward is nearing a return after a full recovery from his muscle injury.

According to AS, Lewandowski has become ready to take part in games again, with the newspaper stressing that the attacker has edged very near to resuming competitive action after healing from his setback.

The forward had suffered a muscular tear in the biceps femoris of the left thigh, keeping him out of the three recent fixtures against Olympiacos, Girona, and Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Barcelona have also welcomed back goalkeeper GARCIA to group training today after his own spell on the sidelines.

García had sustained an internal knee injury (meniscal tear) to his left knee in a match against Real Oviedo, which required surgery on September 27. The expected recovery window had been 4 to 6 weeks, but he has shown improvement and was not ruled out of the Elche clash.

Garcia joined Barcelona at the start of the season from Espanyol, after paying the release clause, and his return adds depth to a squad that has faced a string of absences in recent weeks.

Nevertheless, Barcelona are not rushing the returns of Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, or Garcia themselves, preferring to rely on equally capable alternatives while managing the squad’s collective fitness.

A Snapshot of Lewandowski

Lewandowski has appeared in 9 competitive matches so far this season (7 in La Liga and 2 in the Champions League), scoring 4 league goals, with no European tally yet. He has struck twice against Valencia and once each against Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad, while going through several scoreless outings in other matches.

His absence was felt in the opening game against Mallorca and in the final two clashes against Girona and Olympiacos due to the same injury, highlighting the delicate balance between risk and reward when returning from a layoff.

Defensive Struggles and Injury Toll

Barça’s attack has drawn more dangerous opportunities this season, a byproduct of an aggressive pressing game from coach Xavi Flick that carries certain risks. In the past, this approach yielded greater rewards, yet the side has yet to regain full operational rhythm.

Flick has spent weeks trying to fix these issues without abandoning his tactical principles. The system has not yet returned to its peak form, and injuries have compounded the challenge, especially heading into the latest clásico against Real Madrid.

When the Madrid clash rolled around, Barcelona faced a heavier casualty list than their opponents, limiting options off the bench. Restoring a fit squad, especially in the depth department, is seen as essential to a convincing revival.

With the reserves offered limited minutes thus far, the coach is hopeful that returning players will provide the depth necessary to supplement a talent-rich but currently imperfect lineup.

Raphinha: The Missing Edge Up Front

The injury worries did not stop at defense; the loss of key attackers—Lewandowski, Olmo, and Raphinha—has diminished the attacking fluency Barça rely on. The absence of these front-line stars has underscored the need for the available assets to deliver entertaining football in line with the club’s identity.

Yamal’s Strain and Patience

Among the factors troubling the Barça technical staff is Lamine Yamal’s groin region strain, which has curtailed his explosive bursts and creativity. A prolonged recuperation period is required before he returns to full competition, and president Flick has emphasized patience to ensure his long-term readiness for the year ahead.

According to Sport’s medical columnist Pedro Luis Ribol, Yamal’s groin injury is painful and can significantly hamper movement and shooting. The physician’s notes suggest a chronic component, and the worst-case scenario would extend beyond a few weeks until rehabilitation completes.

The club’s medical update reiterates that the condition can hinder sprinting and shooting, and Ribol’s remarks underscore the seriousness of the issue in the short term.

These medical insights align with Barcelona’s approach: careful management, gradual reintegration of players, and a reliance on rotation to preserve performance while returning key players to form.