Hansi Flick confirms return to fitness for Barcelona star | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed that the team's top scorer Robert Lewandowski will be available for Tuesday's Champions League last-16 tie against Benfica.

The Polish forward was left out of the squad which was set to host Osasuna on Saturday evening before the game was postponed due to the passing of team doctor Carles Minarro.

Looking ahead to the second leg of Barcelona's European tie against Benfica, Flick confirmed that his frontman would be part of the squad this week. "Lewandowski is back and available to play tomorrow," the German coach revealed on Monday.

"He is in top form, on Saturday we decided to rest him. In the training session before the game, he felt some discomfort due to fatigue and we decided to rest him."

Hansi Flick (right) has unlocked Robert Lewandowski's best form this season / Pedro Salado/GettyImages

As impressive as Lewandowski's tally of 34 goals across all competitions has been, his record of appearing in the matchday squad for each of the club's 41 games this season may be even more admirable for a 36-year-old. This durability (and continued effectiveness) has reportedly convinced Barcelona to keep Lewandowski at the club for another season.

The former Bayern Munich forward will have to be at his best to help Barcelona qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals. The Catalans hold a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon and Flick was keen to stress the challenge that lies ahead for his side.

"We have to be 100% focused and the best thing is not to think about the first leg. Nobody is taking it for granted that we are through to the quarter-finals. We have to win," the manager stressed.

"We have to pressure more against Benfica and defend well. In Lisbon we saw how they can counter and we have to be careful. We have to be focused and have the right attitude to get the win. We are preparing well; it's an important moment for the club and we want to do well."

Lewandowski will be available, but the Catalans will be without centre-back Pau Cubarsi who is suspended following his red card in the first leg.