When is Robert Lewandowski back from suspension?
Barcelona defied their crippling finances to sign one of this generation's finest forwards in the summer and their new arrival certainly hasn't disappointed thus far.
Robert Lewandowski's habit of scoring goals hasn't faded despite switching Bavaria for Catalonia. The veteran striker has scored 13 times in 15 La Liga appearances and is currently the top scorer in the division by some margin.
However, a suspension ruled him out of Barça's recent domestic clash away at Atletico Madrid and he's set to be sidelined for a couple more weeks. So, why is the Polish international suspended and when is he expected to return to action?
Why is Robert Lewandowski suspended?
Lewandowski picked up two yellow cards in the opening 30 minutes of Barcelona's La Liga clash against Osasuna 12 days before the start of the World Cup.
Typically, this would warrant a one-game suspension but Lewandowski was given a three-match ban for his subsequent conduct - he made a gesture towards the match officials as he walked off the pitch. Barcelona appealed, however, and the Central Tribunal in Madrid temporarily lifted the striker's ban which allowed him to play in the derby against Espanyol on New Year's Eve.
But then there were more appeals, this time from Espanyol, who claimed that Lewandowski was ineligible for the game despite the Central Tribunal's ruling.
And thus, the three-match suspension was eventually reviewed again by Spain's Administrative Tribunal for Sport (TAD) on 4 January, and Lewandowski's three-match ban was upheld.
Which games will Robert Lewandowski miss?
Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Atletico on Sunday night was the first of three league games Lewandowski will miss. The former Bayern Munich striker will also be absent from La Blaugrana's upcoming La Liga games against Getafe and Girona.
- Atletico Madrid 0-1 Barcelona - 8 January
- Barcelona vs Getafe - 22 January
- Girona vs Barcelona - 29 January
When will Robert Lewandowski return from suspension?
While Lewandowski will not be able to compete in La Liga until the start of February when Barcelona take on Real Betis, the striker will be able to play in the Supercopa de Espana - held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Barça take on Betis in the semi-final of the Supercopa on 12 January and will take on the victor of Real Madrid vs Valencia three days later should they prevail.
Lewandowski will also be eligible for the Copa del Rey round of 16 tie against AD Ceuta later this month and Xavi could deploy the Polish forward from the outset considering his La Liga suspension.