Zürcher Nachrichten - Barca's Lewandowski says his season starting now after injury struggles

The 37-year-old has struggled with a thigh problem which ruled him out of the Clasico defeat by Real Madrid in La Liga in October.

Coach Hansi Flick also rotated Lewandowski with Ferran Torres while the former Bayern Munich striker was working on his fitness.

The forward missed the first few weeks of the season with a muscle problem and only started for the first time in mid-September.

Lewandowski appeared as a substitute on Sunday against Elche in La Liga and is ready to feature against Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"The most important thing is that physically I'm good -- this season I had two injuries, so I think my season has starts now," Lewandowski told a news conference.

"Before I had problems, but in the end I am always thinking about the team and helping the team.

"When you have a lot of games in the season, it's important you reach the end of the season in good condition too."

The forward admitted it felt unusual not to be a regular starter this season, after playing a key role last year as Barcelona won a domestic treble.

"It's a bit different for me, after the two injuries, but I've been working well now for the last couple of weeks," said Lewandowski.

"When I'm training I can see that I am at a very high level.

"If we play as a team we are always very dangerous for every team to face, and if we play as a team we can win trophies."

Flick praised the Polish veteran's hard work to get back fit quickly after tearing a muscle in his left thigh in mid-October.

"I've worked with him for four years now, four-and-a-half, I've never had a player who is more professional than him," said the coach.

"When he got injured I said maybe he's out for five weeks but I don't know what he has in his DNA, he was able to play (sooner)."

- 'Another level' -

The German coach said the striker's return could help the team return to the heights they hit last season after a shaky start to the campaign.

"When (Dani Olmo and Lewandowski) returned to training it was another level.

"We need these players to reach our highest level. It takes time and this is what you also have to see."

Left winger Raphinha has also been sidelined for several weeks.

That has allowed Marcus Rashford regular game time during his loan from Manchester United.

"I've always seen Marcus has a lot of potential and from the first day at the club I've seen he was a player who could help us a lot," said Lewandowski.

"With Marcus we are stronger, and he doesn't just score, he's giving a lot of assists and we need that."

M.J.Baumann--NZN