Lewandowski CAN play against Espanyol with three-game ban overturned

Robert Lewandowski is clear to play in the Barcelona derby against Espanyol this weekend after having his three-match ban for a red card before the World Cup suspended by a Spanish court

• Robert Lewandowski is eligible for Barcelona’s clash with Espanyol on Saturday
• He was banned for three games following a red card against Osasuna last month 
• He got two yellows but was banned for three games due to a gesture at official
• The three-match ban has been suspended by a Spanish court, however 

Striker Robert Lewandowski will be available for Barcelona’s match against Espanyol after a Spanish court suspended his three-match ban, the LaLiga leaders said on Friday.

Lewandowski was set to miss the match after the Spanish football federation (RFEF) banned the Poland international for three games following his sending off in Barcelona’s 2-1 win at Osasuna in November.

The 34-year-old was shown a yellow card for dragging back Nacho Vidal in the 11th minute and 20 minutes later received his second after appearing to elbow David Garcia in the face.

Robert Lewandowski will be available for Barcelona’s match against Espanyol after a Spanish court overturned his suspension

The Poland striker was sent off for a second yellow for this challenge but he was handed a three-match ban because of a gesture he made

According to the RFEF Officiating Committee, Lewandowski was given a three-game ban due to a gesture towards the official after he was shown the red card that was of ‘contemptuous attitude towards the referees’.

Last month, Barcelona said they would appeal the ban. According to reports in Spanish media, their appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) earlier this month.

‘The dispute settlement court in Madrid issued a precautionary measure against the suspension imposed by the court of arbitration for sport, meaning the Polish international will be able to line up against Espanyol,’ Barcelona said in a statement.

In the same fixture, Barcelona legend Gerard Pique was banned for four games for storming onto the pitch at half-time and calling the referee a ‘f***ing disgrace’. 

However, it was the defender’s farewell game before retirement so he will not have to serve it. 

Lewandowski has been a huge asset for Barcelona this season, having scored 18 goals in 19 games

Barcelona, who have a two-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the table after 14 games, host city rivals Espanyol on Saturday.

Lewandowski has been a huge asset for Barcelona this season, having scored 18 goals in 19 games for the Spanish giants.

The Poland captain has also provided four assists since his move for £42.5million move to the Nou Camp in the summer.

Lewandowski will be eager to get back on the pitch following Poland’s knockout to France in the last-16 of the World Cup.

The Barcelona striker scored twice in Qatar before his country were sent crashing out – once against Saudi Arabia and again against France.

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