Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has picked up a hamstring issue. This issue could see him miss the start of the La Liga season, the club confirmed on Friday. “The first team player Robert Lewandowski has a hamstring problem in his left thigh,” Barcelona said in a statement, without revealing a recovery timeline. The 36-year-old will miss Sunday’s friendly against Como. This has raised doubts over his availability for the league opener against Mallorca on August 16. Lewandowski scored 42 goals in 52 appearances last season as Hansi Flick’s side clinched the league, cup, and super cup.

Atletico Madrid have expressed interest in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho. Sport1 journalist Julius Schamburg is reporting that Atletico are launching a move for the England international. Atletico aim to strike a loan-to-buy agreement with United, with the aim of agreeing on terms over an initial €5 million loan fee. Sancho hasn’t ruled out a possible move to Atletico, although his heart seems to be set on Borussia Dortmund, where he has already shone in the past. According to Schamburg, the winger would be willing to make significant financial sacrifices, giving up approximately 30 per cent of his current salary, whether he joins Atletico or returns to BVB. This flexibility demonstrates his desire to find a new home where he can relaunch his career after a difficult spell with Manchester United.

Barcelona will look to defend their La Liga and Copa del Rey titles after a dominant 2023/24 campaign, but face a reshaped Real Madrid under new coach Xabi Alonso. Hansi Flick’s side, led by teenage star Lamine Yamal, scored 174 goals in 60 matches last season, including 16 in four straight wins over Madrid. Barca have added Marcus Rashford on loan to an attack featuring Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Dani Olmo.  However, defensive weaknesses exposed in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Inter Milan  remain a concern. They begin the new season with goalkeeper Joan Garcia, signed from Espanyol, a move that has sparked tension with veteran Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been stripped of the captaincy amid disciplinary proceedings. Alonso has strengthened Madrid’s defence with Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, centre-back Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50m, and left-back Alvaro Carrera from Benfica for €50m. The reinforcements come after a trophy-less season under Carlo Ancelotti, who has since taken over Brazil. In attack, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr are still seeking to hit top form together, while academy striker Gonzalo’s emergence adds to competition involving Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim Diaz for playing time.

Serie A referees will start announcing VAR decisions directly to fans in stadiums and to TV audiences from next season. Referee chief Gianluca Rocchi announced to the Italian media on Tuesday. Rocchi described the change as an important step in improving communication between match officials and the public. He also noted that the goal is to make decisions faster and easier to understand. “We have a selected group of referees and we want to ensure their language is as consistent as possible so the public can clearly understand the calls,” Rocchi said. Similar initiatives, where referees explain their decisions to spectators, have also been tested in countries like England and Germany.