There’s good news for Barcelona, as top striker Robert Lewandowski will be allowed to face Espanyol on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Espanyol don’t seem to be happy with this development.

Lewandowski was sent off against Osasuna in Barcelona’s final La Liga game before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Lewandowski was given a three-match ban as a result, and was expected to miss the tie against Espanyol.

Barcelona however appealed the decision and a court in Madrid ruled that he is free to play for the club until a final decision is made on the suspension.

Espanyol have fumed at the decision, and have claimed that the recent development has hurt their preparation for the game.

“RCD Espanyol de Barcelona finds it unusual that, 24 hours before the match against FC Barcelona, ​​and after it was rejected by different competent bodies (Competition, Appeal and TAD), a precautionary measure has been granted to a previously imposed sanction to the FC Barcelona player, Robert Lewandowski,” read a statement by Espanyol.

“The Club considers that this last-minute decision completely conditions and the team’s preparation for this match. RCD Espanyol understands that it is a grievance and an injustice considering the precedents with other clubs.

“It should be remembered that, throughout this season, Espanyol has encountered similar situations in which appeals have been presented for the expulsion of its players and in no case have they resulted in the corresponding committee meeting during the week to study the allegations presented by the club.

“We are analysing the facts and will defend our interests with all the resources at our disposal. We are analysing the facts and will defend our interests with all the resources at our disposal.

“Despite this injustice and this unprecedented decision in the competition, our TEAM tomorrow will compete 110% to live up to the trust of our people.”