In a major boost for FC Barcelona, talismanic striker Robert Lewandowski is set to return to the squad for this Saturday’s high-stakes La Liga clash against Athletic Club.
The 37-year-old was spotted back in full training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper on Wednesday, though he will be sporting a distinct new look: a custom-made black protective mask.
The Polish international was forced to miss
Tuesday’s narrow 3-0 Copa del Rey win over Atlético Madrid after sustaining a painful fracture of the internal eye socket (orbital bone) during the recent 4-1 victory over Villarreal. While initial fears suggested a multi-week absence, Lewandowski’s recovery has surpassed medical expectations.
Protection and Precision
The specialized carbon-fiber mask is designed to shield the delicate left eye area from secondary fractures during physical duels.
While Lewandowski has used facial protection before—notably during his time at Bayern Munich in 2015—he has previously admitted that masks can be “annoying” due to limited peripheral vision.
However, with Barcelona currently navigating a defensive crisis following the injuries to Jules Koundé and Alejandro Balde, Hansi Flick will be relieved to have his primary scoring threat available to lead the line.
“Robert is a professional of the highest order,” a club source noted. “He was determined to be ready for San Mamés. He knows how much we need his leadership in such a hostile environment.”
The San Mamés Gauntlet
The timing of his return is critical. Athletic Club remain one of the most physically demanding sides in Spain, and the atmosphere at San Mamés is famously intense.
With Barça leading the league by four points over Real Madrid, Flick sees this fixture as a potential turning point in the title race.
Lewandowski has already netted 18 league goals this season, and his presence will allow the coach to move Ferran Torres back to his preferred wing position, providing more tactical balance to a side that looked stretched during the midweek cup tie.
What’s Next?
If Lewandowski comes through the Bilbao match unscathed, the focus will shift to next Tuesday’s Champions League showdown against Newcastle United. The club’s medical staff expects him to wear the mask for at least the next three to four weeks as the bone continues to stabilize.
