Barcelona is in a state of anticipation and focus during the international break, amid notable developments within the first team under coach Hansi Flick. Technical signs are beginning to emerge, suggesting an impending shift that could restore the attacking balance lost since the start of the 2025/26 La Liga season.
Despite the promising starts of both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, one prominent name has remained absent from the scene since the beginning of the campaign, opening the door to speculation about the future of the team’s attacking line and how his absence may be affecting overall performance.
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Fans have noticed the difference, but within the dressing room, a growing belief is taking shape with each passing match, as many feel that the missing piece has yet to be replaced and that his role in the squad cannot be easily filled.
The focus here is on Polish star Robert Lewandowski, who missed the first two rounds of La Liga due to a minor muscle injury, yet remains present in every tactical plan Flick is working on behind the scenes. It seems the German coach is counting on his return as a decisive factor in restoring the level the team achieved last season, when Barcelona secured the domestic treble.
Lewandowski’s importance goes beyond just scoring goals. His presence also plays a critical role in the team’s tactical setup, offering an attacking balance that allowed both Lamine and Raphinha to operate with more freedom. He served as the “advanced pivot” around which the final third of play revolved.
In his absence, the team has been forced to rely on Ferran Torres as a false nine, which has offered alternative solutions but has not provided the same sense of security in the penalty area or created sufficient space for the wingers.
Sources close to the players have confirmed that both Lamine and Raphinha expressed a clear desire during training camp to reunite the golden trio that dazzled at the end of last season. They understand that Lewandowski’s presence brings more space, better-structured attacks, and decisive passes that are hard to defend against.
Flick also understands the importance of timing. In internal communications, he confirmed that the current priority is to ensure Lewandowski is 100% fit before bringing him back into the squad. He is unwilling to take any risks, especially with a packed September schedule ahead, including the start of Barcelona’s 2025 Champions League campaign.
The coaching staff’s objective is to reintegrate Robert Lewandowski into the starting lineup immediately after the break in order to steer Barcelona back toward a more stable path both tactically and mentally. Although training sessions are currently taking place without him, those close to the player confirm that the countdown has already begun.
Will his return mark a turning point in the Blaugrana’s season? The answer is drawing near.
