The Polish forward begins the match on the substitutes bench at Son Moix, ready to contribute later if called upon.
FC Barcelona heads to Mallorca for the seventh round of La Liga 2023-24, carrying momentum as top side after a dramatic win over Celta Vigo and a stumble by Real Madrid in the Madrid derby against Atlético. Yet this clash arrives with a notable absence in the squad: Robert Lewandowski, the club’s standout scorer, will not be on the pitch from the start.
Why doesn’t Robert Lewandowski play Mallorca vs FC Barcelona in La Liga today
Barcelona had just staged a remarkable comeback against Celta Vigo, who smashed ahead 2-0 in Montjuic with less than ten minutes left on the clock. Lewandowski struck twice to haul his side back into the contest, and Joao Cancelo added a third late goal as Barcelona clinched the win. The performance underscored the team’s attacking depth and the ability of its players to turn games around in the dying moments.
Coach Xavi is managing a squad pressed by injuries and a compact calendar in the early part of the season. Midfield has been hit hard by injuries to Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, two key midfield operators, which means the Catalan side will navigate the Mallorca trip without those familiar faces. Lewandowski is not sidelined by injury or suspension, but the decision has been made to give him a rest ahead of another quick turnaround in the schedule.
Starting the season without a traditional break, Lewandowski will observe this fixture from the bench while the coaching staff tries to balance playing time and recovery. The plan is to rotate in a match that follows soon after a previous exertion against Sevilla, a tough opponent that tests Barcelona’s resilience and tactical adaptability. In this scenario, Ferran Torres steps in to lead the line in the Balearic island, offering pace, movement, and goal threat that can stretch Mallorca’s defense. On the flanks, Raphinha and Joao Felix are available to provide width, creativity, and goal danger from the wings.
The choice to rest Lewandowski highlights the broader approach taken by Barcelona with a view to maintaining performance levels across a demanding period. This strategic rotation aims to keep the team competitive in Spain while also preserving the health and freshness of the squad’s most important attacking asset for the longer sprint ahead of the season.
The announcement from the dugout lineups is clear: Barcelona travels with a plan that prioritizes balance and opportunities for other players to seize their moment, particularly against a Mallorca side known for their resilience and home support. The front line is expected to be led by Ferran Torres, with the wider attacking options providing width, speed, and the ability to exploit spaces between Mallorca’s backline and midfield.
As for the rest of the team, the call reflects a blend of experience and youth, with players capable of adapting to different shapes and pressing schemes that Barcelona has employed this season. The tactical setup intends to press Mallorca high when possible, recover possession quickly, and then transition decisively through fast wingers and runners who can stretch the defense and create shooting opportunities.
The following is the FC Barcelona XI scheduled to visit Mallorca, a selection that embodies the coaching staff’s approach to this particular fixture and the broader goals for the campaign.
This is the confirmed FC Barcelona XI visiting Mallorca:
Note: This outline is based on the team news available ahead of kickoff and reflects the strategic intent behind the rotation and the personnel chosen for this particular match-up. The result could influence subsequent selections as Guardiola’s or Xavi’s philosophies evolve to cope with the season’s relentless schedule.
Source: Goal