Barcelona have received a major boost ahead of their crucial LaLiga clash against Espanyol, with striker Robert Lewandowski set to return to the squad.
Manager Hansi Flick confirmed the Polish star’s readiness, as the Catalan giants edge closer to clinching the league title.
A win against city rivals Espanyol on Thursday would seal the championship for Barcelona, who currently top the table with 82 points—seven ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.
The title could even be secured a day earlier if Madrid fail to beat Mallorca on Wednesday.
Lewandowski, who has netted 25 goals in 31 league appearances this season, missed the last three LaLiga games and the Copa del Rey final victory over Real Madrid on April 27 due to a muscle injury.
The 36-year-old is now just two goals behind Kylian Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot, with both players having played the same number of games.
“Lewandowski is doing good and of course he is ready to play,” Flick told reporters on Wednesday.
The striker played only 30 minutes in Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final second-leg loss to Inter Milan and was also absent from their dramatic 4-3 win over Real Madrid last Sunday.
Reflecting on that Clasico triumph, which marked their fourth win over Madrid across all competitions this season, Flick praised his team’s tactical execution.
“We played 24 minutes with no contact from Real in our half, so it has something to do with the pressing, it has something to do with the right structure we had.
“How we started to press them when they had the ball was unbelievable. When I heard this stat I thought it’s really great… we can be very proud of that. I’m happy for the fans, for the club, because I know that’s very important for them,” he said.
Flick also shared thoughts on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s impending move to manage Brazil’s national team.
“I think he (Ancelotti) did a fantastic job in Madrid. He’s a gentleman and one of the best and most successful coaches in the world.
I wish him all the best for his new job. I think he will find a great team there, and he can follow success there,” Flick said.
The Barcelona derby promises high stakes and high drama, with both local pride and the LaLiga title on the line.
