On Sunday, Real Madrid will play Barcelona for the fourth time this season. The Catalans are missing several key players for the match, which might help Los Blancos upset them for the first time this season.
However, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick provided an unpleasant update on the injured Robert Lewandowski, who was previously considered a serious doubt for the Clasico.
Flick said, "I think it might be better for Robert Lewandowski to start on the bench after his injury, but he’s ready. We will see if he can start vs Real Madrid".
Flick's words aren't very encouraging for Madrid. Lewandowski has been out with an injury for some time and was not expected to be ready for the Clasico. However, the update has turned things around.
Now, it looks that the Polish striker is set to return to torment Real Madrid. Even if he does not start, which remains an option for Flick, he will undoubtedly be substituted later in the game.
Real Madrid need to be extra cautious about Lewandowski
Lewandowski isn't a striker to mess with. He is one of the most seasoned forwards of his generation, and he has been particularly effective versus Los Blancos this season.
He has three goals in his two El Clasico appearances this season. This figure appears scary enough for Real Madrid to be concerned about the potential damage Lewandowski may cause to their defense.
The problem worsens because Real Madrid's defensive roster is currently completely wrecked. Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are both out for the season, leaving Raul Asencio as the sole natural starting center-back on the team.
Aurelien Tchouameni is anticipated to start alongside Asencio, and while he is a good defender, he is not a natural center back and is particularly vulnerable to Lewandowski's attacks.
Carlo Ancelotti should take this enormous update seriously and reevaluate his defensive strategy.