Lewandowski will serve three-match ban after CAS reject Barcelona appeal

Will miss the derby against Espanyol and matches against Atletico Madrid and Getafe

Barcelona will end 2022 on a sour note following word that their appeal to have Robert Lewandowski’s three-match ban overturned has been rejected.

The Polish striker was given a lengthy ban after making gestures towards the match officials after being sent off against Osasuna in early November, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld the decision.

This means that Xavi won’t be able to count on his striker for matches against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Getafe.

The Catalan coach will have to find a solution in order to maintain top spot in the standings.

Lewandowski, who leads the LaLiga Santander scoring charts with 13 goals, will pay dearly for holding his finger to his nose as he headed to the dressing room at El Sadar on the last matchday before the World Cup.

The striker lost his temper after being shown two yellow cards in barely half an hour of play.

The Pole had made it clear that he felt the ban was unfair and “too long”, and that he hoped the appeal would be successful.