Robert Lewandowski, the star striker for FC Barcelona, will not be participating in the upcoming Copa del Rey semifinal second leg against Atlético Madrid due to a recent injury. During a match against Villarreal, Lewandowski sustained a fracture in the internal bone of his left eye socket. This injury was confirmed by the club after medical examinations on Sunday, making him an unfortunate absentee for the critical match on Tuesday at Spotify Camp Nou.

The absence of Lewandowski is a significant loss for Barcelona, especially considering they are facing a 4-0 deficit from the first leg against Atlético Madrid. The team will need a strong performance and multiple goals to overturn this score. Additionally, the club is experiencing further challenges as other key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Christensen, and Eric García are also unavailable for selection. This series of injuries leaves coach Hansi Flick with a reduced squad and could impact the team’s tactics as they prepare for this must-win encounter.

The upcoming match represents a crucial moment for Barcelona in their Copa del Rey campaign, with the odds heavily stacked against them following the heavy defeat in the first leg. The club and fans will be looking for any silver lining, but overcoming Atlético Madrid with a depleted squad poses a serious challenge. This situation emphasizes the importance of player fitness and squad depth in competitive tournaments, particularly as Barcelona aims to salvage their cup run despite these setbacks.