Robert Lewandowski injury: Progress & potential return date for Barcelona striker

Barcelona have proven during the first two months of the 2023/24 season that they're up to the challenge of defending their La Liga crown.

Xavi's side have battled adversity at the start of the new campaign, showing they can win in a multitude of ways, but their excellent opening to their title defence still places them behind Real Madrid in the table ahead of El Clasico later this month.

Barca's adversity has arrived in the form of injuries. While the club has built a big enough squad for Xavi to cope with a number of absences, the personnel that have suffered could've triggered a derailment before Barca's season got going. Star defender Ronald Araujo endured a lengthy period out of action, while midfield maestros Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are currently on the sidelines alongside Raphinha.

Those two are set to be joined by Robert Lewandowski, who sustained an injury in Barca's hard-fought 1-0 win over Porto on Wednesday and is already a doubt for the looming Clasico.

What injury does Robert Lewandowski have?

Lewandowski was forced off in the first half of Barcelona's Champions League group stage clash in midweek, with Xavi confirming post-match that he was removed after sustaining a "strong blow to the ankle".

Fortunately, the Polish superstar's replacement on the night, Ferran Torres, grabbed the game's only goal in first-half stoppage time.

There was initial optimism that Lewandowski hadn't picked up a major problem, but that notion was brushed aside by Barcelona on Thursday, with the club confirming their star striker had sprained his left ankle.

"Tests conducted this Thursday morning have revealed that Robert Lewandowski has sprained his left ankle and will be out of action until the injury heals," a statement read.

When will Robert Lewandowski return from injury?

As they've been with all of their injuries this season, Barcelona didn't offer a time frame regarding Lewandowski's potential return. However, given the nature of the injury, it's likely the striker will be out for about a month meaning he'll miss Real Madrid's visit on 28 October.

Xavi had already been preparing to face the league leaders without De Jong and Raphinha, while it remains to be seen whether Pedri will be back in action after the international break. In Lewandowski's absence, Wednesday's match-winner, Ferran, is set to enjoy an uptick in minutes.

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP