As is usually the case, this international break is once again seeing several FC Barcelona players taking a lot of responsibilities and shining for their national teams.
This was definitely the case for Lamine Yamal, who received a standing ovation in the stadium of Barcelona’s biggest rivals, Real Madrid, as he put on a show with the Spanish national team against Brazil in a match that ended 3-3.
While this match and performance took most of the spotlight, it was another match and another Barcelona player who was performing with a lot more at stake.
Poland was trying to qualify for the UEFA EURO 2024, and had to face Wales in a qualifier match which ended 0-0 in extra time and ended 5-4 in favour of the Poles in the penalty shoot-out. Robert Lewandowski was one of the main protagonists for his team, as he converted the first penalty for his side.
However, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, there were also some worrying signs in this match, as the Polish striker could frequently be seen with his hands on his left thigh, and doctors also applied ice on his leg before the start of the extra time.
Still, he was able to continue playing till the very end of the match, and kept trying to get a goal with headers and long-range shots. He also had to suffer from a stomp on his foot in the earlier phases of the second half.
Thus, Lewandowski will be returning to Barcelona without full fitness, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to participate in the upcoming match against Las Palmas on Saturday.
Even if he is available, Xavi can decide to rest him for this match and keep him fresh for the upcoming crucial tie against PSG in the Champions League.
