Barca problems worsen as Lewandowski to miss Clasico

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the Clasico against Real Madrid on Thursday with a hamstring strain as the club's problems continue to grow.

Lewandowski, 34, was injured in the shock 1-0 defeat to Almeria on Sunday as Barca missed the chance to open up a 10-point lead over Madrid at the top of LaLiga.

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A source told ESPN he will miss this week's clash at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal and potentially league games against Valencia and Athletic Club.

Barca then host Madrid in LaLiga at Camp Nou on March 19, when Lewandowski will hope to be back.

Barca said in a statement on Monday: «Robert Lewandowski has strained the biceps femoris in his left hamstring. The Polish striker is unavailable until the problem clears up.»

He missed three games through suspension in January, and Barca have no natural backup for the striker having allowed both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Memphis Depay to leave the club.

Barca are also without Pedri and Ousmane Dembele through injury.

Dembele has not played since hurting his thigh at the end of January against Girona, and Pedri has not featured since picking up a knock against Manchester United on Feb. 16.

Both players hope to be back for the LaLiga Clasico against Madrid on March 19, but Barca are facing a shortage of attackers in the games leading up to that fixture.

In addition to the injuries to Lewandowski, Dembele and Pedri, they will also be without Gavi and Raphinha against Valencia this weekend. Both players received their fifth booking of the season against Almeria and will serve a one-game suspension — as will coach Xavi Hernandez.

Barca's surprise defeat against Almeria was just their