Barcelona veteran superstar unlikely to start vs Levante despite return to full fitness | OneFootball

Barcelona saw off the opening-day challenge from RCD Mallorca rather comfortably, securing a 3-0 victory at Son Moix.

The result game despite the absence of two of Barça’s most experienced players, as both Robert Lewandowski and Marc-Andre ter Stegen were unavailable through injuries.

While the goalkeeper is unlikely to return anytime soon, things are looking up for Lewandowski as he is in line to return to the squad for the upcoming game against UD Levante.

Lewandowski unlikely to start

However, according to SPORT, despite Lewandowski’s return to fitness and expected availability to face Levante, he is unlikely to be a part of the Barcelona starting lineup on Saturday.

Back in training but unlikely to start. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

The 36-year-old striker had missed the Gamper Trophy match as well as the Mallorca game due to a thigh muscle strain. But he is now ready to return.

The Pole had already completed almost the entire group training session on Tuesday and again participated in most of Wednesday’s exercises. The signs are positive for Saturday’s match away at Levante, although the staff prefers caution.

As such, it seems unlikely that Lewandowski will start at the Ciutat de Valencia. Flick may keep him as an option from the bench, provided his progress continues until the weekend.

Ferran Torres, who started and scored a controversial goal against Mallorca last weekend, looks set to lead the line once again as Barcelona’s number nine.

The Barcelona squad will travel to Valencia on Saturday morning, rest at their hotel, and play the second league match of the season against Levante at 21:30 – in much cooler conditions than those endured in Mallorca.