Robert Lewandowski will be absent from Poland's first European Championship match against the Netherlands on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. The Polish FA confirmed the news after the 35-year-old Barcelona player sustained the injury during a friendly match against Turkey on Monday, which Poland won 2-1.
The national team has stated that they will make every effort to ensure Lewandowski's availability for their second game of the tournament against Austria, which will take place in Germany.
The Polish FA remains hopeful that the star forward will recover in time to contribute to the team's campaign in the crucial match.
Lewandowski's absence in the opener against the Netherlands will undoubtedly be a significant blow to Poland's chances, as he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world. However, the team will need to adapt and find alternative strategies to secure a positive result in his absence.
"We examined three players who suffered injuries in the match against Turkey ... (defender) Pawel Dawidowicz suffered a pulled quadriceps thigh muscle," the Polish FA said in a statement on Tuesday.
"In the case of (striker) Karol Swiderski, an examination showed an ankle sprain without significant damage. Both players should return to full training within three to four days after the treatment.
"Lewandowski suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament."
Poland will commence their campaign in Group D by facing the Netherlands. Subsequently, they are scheduled to play against Austria on June 21. Finally, they will conclude their group stage matches by taking on the formidable France on June 25.
(With Reuters inputs)
