Ferran Torres will miss the rest of the season. In recent hours, the Valencian forward had to undergo emergency appendicitis surgery. Throughout Wednesday, he experienced some discomfort that ended in surgery, which means he will not be available for the three remaining league matches. First, he will miss the important and crucial Espanyol-Barça, while his presence against Villarreal and Athletic Club is also ruled out.
In the worst-case scenario, although it seems unlikely, it is not ruled out that Ferran Torres might miss Spain's desired draft for the Nations League. On June 5, Luis de la Fuente's team faces France in the semifinals of the competition... and they could be without a forward as important as Ferran.
In any case, what is certain is that Ferran Torres will not be available for the Espanyol-Barça, where he was expected to start.
Ferran Torres, KO: Hansi Flick has alternatives
With Ferran Torres injured, what is clear is that Hansi Flick now has to look for an unexpected alternative. All eyes are on Barcelona's top scorer, Robert Lewandowski. But, after playing a few minutes against Inter, he was scoreless in El Clásico. Everything indicates that he will start from the bench in the Espanyol-Barça, with the German having another plan in mind.
It wouldn't be a novelty this season to see Dani Olmo playing as a "false 9" in the forward line, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings, and Fermín López behind. Madrid-Barcelona has learned that this is the option that most convinces Hansi Flick at the moment, keeping Robert Lewandowski as a second-half option.
Robert Lewandowski could lose the Pichichi
At times, the Pole seemed poised to win the top scorer award in LaLiga, but this is now in jeopardy. Mbappé has taken advantage of Lewandowski's injury to turn the "scoreboard" around and get ahead, already gaining a three-goal lead.
While Mbappé leads the list with 28 goals, Robert Lewandowski is in second place with 25. With three matches remaining to finish LaLiga, it is expected that the Pole will have minutes again, especially to try to win this award.
Despite this, Hansi Flick is clear: the priority is to win LaLiga, and that means winning the Espanyol-Barça. With Ferran Torres injured, everything seems to point to Lewandowski remaining on the bench and the "9" being Olmo.