Lewandowski would miss the Cup classic due to overload

Barcelona forward Robert Lewandowski gestures during the match against Almeria in the Spanish League, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/José Bretón)

BARCELONA (AP) — Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been diagnosed with muscle overload and everything points to him missing the clásico against Real Madrid on Thursday in the Copa del Rey semifinals.

Lewandowski injured the hamstring in his left thigh in the 1-0 defeat of leaders Barcelona in Almería on Sunday in the Spanish league, a result that allowed Madrid to cut the Catalan club’s lead to seven points.

Barcelona did not specify deadlines for the recovery of the Polish scorer, except that “he is low and his evolution will determine his availability.” It is assumed that he will not be able to play in the first leg of the semifinals of the cup tournament at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

It will be the first of three classics that will be played in a month. They will also meet in the second leg of the Cup semifinals and in the Spanish League.

Madrid won their first La Liga game 1-0 in October, while Barcelona prevailed by the same scoreline in the Spanish Super Cup final in January.

The meringues come from a 1-1 draw at home against Atlético de Madrid for the League.

Lewandowski is the top scorer in the League with 15 conquests. He has scored two goals in his last three games in all competitions.

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