Following back-to-back defeats, LaLiga leaders Barcelona have now lost top scorer Robert Lewandowski to injury.
Robert Lewandowski is set to miss Barcelona’s Copa de Rey semi-final first leg at Real Madrid on Thursday due to a hamstring injury.
Barca revealed on Monday that Lewandowski has a strained left hamstring.
The league leaders said the prolific striker “is out and his recovery will determine his availability” three days before the next Clasico clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Lewandowski’s injury is another blow for Xavi after Sunday’s shock 1-0 defeat at Almeria.
It was only the second LaLiga defeat of the season for the Catalan giants, who sit seven points clear of Madrid at the summit.
Barca were also dealt a blow by being knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United last week, losing the second leg 2-1 at Old Trafford after Lewandowski opened the scoring with his 25th goal of the season.
Xavi’s side face Los Blancos at the Camp Nou in LaLiga on March 19 after clashes with Valencia and Athletic Bilbao. The second leg of their Copa semi-final will take place on April 5.