Barça extends winning streak without Lewandowski

Barcelona stretched their run to seven consecutive La Liga victories with a home success over Osasuna, yet Robert Lewandowski again watched on from the sidelines. For a second straight league outing, head coach Hansi Flick chose not to introduce the experienced striker, instead allowing Ferran Torres to complete the full match at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Unlike the previous weekend against Real Betis, when the decision was based on strategy, this absence was down to physical concerns rather than tactical planning.

Fitness concerns behind Flick’s decision

According to Catalunya Radio, cited by Sport, the Polish international had been dealing with discomfort in his thigh muscle in the days leading up to the game. Because of this, the coaching staff opted against taking risks, even though he could have featured briefly if circumstances demanded it.

Once Barcelona took the lead, any possibility of his involvement was abandoned, with the club preferring caution over urgency.

Uncertain outlook for cup match and future

The same reports indicate that Flick is reluctant to rely on Lewandowski for Tuesday’s Copa del Rey clash against Guadalajara. The final call, however, will depend on the player’s own assessment of his condition ahead of kick-off.

This campaign has proved challenging for the veteran, who has lost his regular place to Ferran and has now sat out five fixtures through injury. With his contract set to end next summer, these setbacks may harm his prospects of securing an extension.

In parallel, Barcelona are already planning for the next era in attack. Julian Alvarez and Karl Etta Eyong have emerged as possible recruits, while Fisnik Asllani has been ruled out as a genuine option for the league leaders.