How Xavi could replace injured Robert Lewandowski against Granada
- Lewandowski limped off early in the 1-0 win over Porto
- Poland international is the only recognised striker in Xavi's squad
- There have been differing reports on the severity of Lewandowski's injury
By Tom Gott
Barcelona head coach Xavi is cooking up a plan to cope without the injured Robert Lewandowski as his side prepare to take on Granada on Sunday.
Lewandowski picked up an ankle injury during the 1-0 win over Porto in midweek, with Barcelona later diagnosing him with a sprain.
However, the doctor of the Polish national team revealed on Thursday that the injury was actually more serious than initial scans suggested.
"I talked to Robert today and saw the results of his tests," Jacek Jaroszewski revealed. "Unfortunately, the injury turned out to be so serious that it excludes Robert's participation in the national team's training camp and his appearances in the matches against the Faroe Islands and Moldova, as well as in the upcoming matches of Barcelona.
"There was ligament damage in the ankle joint, the club has already established a treatment plan."
As the only recognised striker in the Barcelona squad, Lewandowski's absence comes as a huge blow and will force Xavi to get creative in his search for a solution.
According to Sport, it's Ferran Torres who is most likely to take Lewandowski's spot atop the team sheet, but Xavi is also considering using Joao Felix as a false nine against the right sort of opponent.
To further bolster in attack, Xavi is also expected to turn to the academy and Jijantes FC state that 21-year-old Pau Victor is set to join up with the senior squad in Lewandowski's absence.
Barcelona signed Victor on loan from Girona with an option to make the deal permanent next summer, and the Spaniard is the top scorer for Barca Atletic this season after racking up four goals in six games.
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