The dreaded “FIFA virus” has struck FC Barcelona once again — and this time, it’s hit hard. After Lamine Yamal and Frenkie de Jong returned from the last international break with injuries, three more Barça players have now picked up knocks: Robert Lewandowski, Dani Olmo, and Ferran Torres. While the first two are ruled out for several weeks, the Valencian winger remains doubtful for Saturday’s clash against Girona. But it’s Lewandowski’s case that has set off alarm bells — and internal frustration — within the club.

What happened to the Polish striker?

During Poland’s match against Lithuania, the 37-year-old striker felt a sharp pain in his thigh — the same area that had already troubled him earlier this season. Despite feeling discomfort, Lewandowski chose to keep playing. The medical staff applied a bandage, and the Polish captain stayed on the pitch until the final whistle.

The outcome couldn’t have been worse. Medical tests later confirmed a muscle tear that will sideline him for around a month, ruling him out of up to six matches — including four in LaLiga and two in the Champions League. Among those games is the Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26, which he will almost certainly miss.

Why is Barcelona angry?

Inside Can Barça, frustration is running high. Members of the coaching and medical staff believe Lewandowski should have immediately asked to be substituted once he felt the pain.

“A veteran player should know his body and when to stop,” said sources close to the club.

The anger is amplified by the timing. Just weeks ago, Hansi Flick publicly voiced his concern about how national teams handle player workloads during international breaks. Back then, his criticism was aimed at the national coaches — but this time, the blame falls squarely on Lewandowski himself.

For Flick, the striker’s decision to push through the discomfort was irresponsible, leaving the team without its main attacking reference at a crucial point in the season. Barcelona had just begun to find rhythm and consistency, only to now lose their most experienced forward.

What does his injury mean for Barça’s future?

Lewandowski’s absence comes at a delicate time. Talks had recently resurfaced about a potential contract renewal, but doubts within the club hierarchy were already growing. His decision to keep playing despite the pain has reportedly hurt his standing internally, fueling uncertainty about his long-term role in Flick’s project.

In the meantime, the team will have to adapt quickly without its leading scorer. With the Clásico looming and a packed schedule in both LaLiga and the Champions League, Barcelona face yet another setback caused by the international break.

The feeling inside the club is unanimous: Lewandowski’s injury could have been avoided. And in a moment when his professionalism and leadership were supposed to set the standard, the Polish star may have just written the most costly chapter of his Barça career — one that could have lasting consequences beyond the pitch.