Robert Lewandowski has admitted he felt pain before limping off late in Poland’s 3-2 win over Scotland on Thursday.

The Barcelona striker had already struck a goal and an assist in the game, maintaining the hot form he has shown at club level, but was forced off shortly after the 70-minute mark.

Keen to ease fears, Lewandowski insisted he hopes to have caught the issue before it develops into a real injury.

“I felt discomfort and then there was some pain,” he told the media. “I realised that if I took a risk today, tomorrow or the day after tomorrow it could be much worse.

“For the good of the team and for my health, the decision was made to leave the field. The season will be very demanding. I could have up to 70 games ahead of me, so I need to manage my strength and energy wisely.”

Lewandowski has been in excellent form this season, racking up four goals in as many games for Barcelona, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the 36-year-old returns unscathed.

Barcelona have a local clash with Catalan neighbours Girona to look forward to on September 15, before beginning the league phase of their UEFA Champions League campaign away at Monaco four days later.

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