Barcelona’s Lewandowski and Yamal sidelined with injuries, to miss international break

Barcelona’s star forwards Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal have been ruled out of the upcoming international break due to injuries, the club announced Monday. Lewandowski, 36, suffered a lower back injury during Sunday’s 1-0 La Liga loss to Real Sociedad, where his goal was controversially disallowed. “Lewandowski is having trouble in the lumbar region of his back and will be rested for about 10 days,” Barcelona confirmed in a statement. He will miss Poland’s Nations League matches against Portugal and Scotland but is expected to return for Barcelona’s next league game against Celta Vigo on November 23.

Yamal, 17, was absent from Sunday’s match due to a right ankle injury and is likely to be out for two to three weeks, missing Spain’s fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland. He may also sit out Barcelona’s November 26 Champions League home game against Brest and a subsequent La Liga clash with Las Palmas.

Despite their current absences, both players have been crucial to Barcelona’s success this season. Yamal has netted six goals in 15 appearances, while Lewandowski leads La Liga with 17 goals in all competitions. Barcelona are currently six points ahead of Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.