Lewandowski To Miss Poland’s Euro 2024 Opening Match Against Netherlands

Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of Poland's opening match of Euro 2024 against the Netherlands due to a hamstring injury. The team captain limped off in the 32nd minute of Poland's final warm-up game against Turkiye on Monday and was later seen receiving treatment on his right thigh.

Head coach Michal Probierz had initially hoped that Lewandowski's injury was not severe. However, the Polish FA confirmed that the Barcelona striker is not fit to face the Dutch in Hamburg on Sunday. This development is a significant setback for Poland, as Lewandowski is their most experienced player with 150 appearances and 82 goals.

Karol Swiderski and Pawel Dawidowicz also sustained injuries during the match against Turkiye. Despite these setbacks, both players are expected to be fit for Poland's first Group D encounter. Arkadiusz Milik has already been ruled out of the tournament with a knee problem.

A statement from the Polish FA read, "We examined three players who suffered injuries in the match against Turkiye. Dawidowicz suffered a pulled quadriceps thigh muscle. In the case of Swiderski, an examination showed an ankle sprain without significant damage. Both players should return to full training within three to four days after treatment."

Lewandowski's injury has been diagnosed as a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament. The striker will aim to feature in Poland's remaining Group D fixtures against Austria on June 21 and France on June 25.

The absence of Lewandowski, who has made more appearances and scored more goals for Poland than any other player, is a considerable blow. His leadership and goal-scoring ability will be missed as Poland navigates through their group stage matches.

Poland will need to rely on other key players to step up in Lewandowski's absence. The team will hope that Swiderski and Dawidowicz can recover quickly and contribute effectively in their upcoming matches.

As Poland prepares for their Euro 2024 campaign, the focus will be on managing injuries and ensuring that key players are fit for crucial fixtures. The team's performance in the group stage will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.