Barcelona can seal the La Liga title with a victory over Espanyol on Thursday (provided that Real Madrid don’t lose to Mallorca 24 hours prior), but for that match, they will be without a key starter.

In recent weeks, Barcelona have not been able to call upon first-choice striker Robert Lewandowski at full capacity. The Polish veteran suffered a hamstring injury in the 4-3 victory over Celta Vigo a few weeks ago, and although he returned against Inter, he has not started since that thriller at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

However, he will almost certainly be back in the side against Espanyol, with Hansi Flick now having no choice on that matter. That’s because Ferran Torres, who has impressed in Lewandowski’s absence, has been ruled out of the Catalan derby, as reported by Cadena SER.

Ferran has been diagnosed with appendicitis, and as a result, he will have to undergo surgery to have his appendix removed. He will do so on Thursday, meaning that he misses out against Espanyol.

It is inevitable that Ferran misses further matches too. Barcelona host Villarreal and Athletic Club in their final two fixtures, and it would be no surprise to see the Spain international absent in order to guarantee himself the best possible rest from his surgery.

Given that Barcelona should have sown up the La Liga title by this time, it would make sense for no chances to be taken with Ferran. And on top of this, Robert Lewandowski will be desperate to start the final three games due to him battling with Kylian Mbappe for the Pichchi Trophy – as things stand, the Real Madrid man is currently one goal ahead.

It remains to be seen whether Ferran plays again this season, but it would be a surprise if so. However, ending the campaign with three assists in 4-3 El Clasico victory would be rather special for him.