Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski to serve three-match ban as CAS rejects appeal

Barcelona will be without their star striker Robert Lewandowski for upcoming games against Espanyol, Atletico Madrid and Getafe.

The Polish international was handed the lengthy ban after making a gesture towards the match officials following his sending off against Osasuna.

Lewandowski held his finger to his nose as he headed towards the dressing room after being shown two yellow cards.

The club appealed the decision, though the Court of Arbitration for Sport has now upheld the three-match ban.

Due to the court's decision, Barca boss Xavi Hernandez will be without his striker for the upcoming derby with Espanyol on Saturday, December 31.

Lewandowski will also miss a potentially key La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital, as well as a home encounter with Getafe.

As things stand, Lewandowski leads the scoring charts in Spain with 13 league efforts to his name.

The former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund forward has only failed to score in five of 14 La Liga games this season.

His natural replacement is Memphis Depay, though the Dutchman has not been able to get much game time this season due to injuries.

Both Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati could also fill that role.