Lewandowski out of Poland’s Euro 2024 opener

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By Martin Graham | 12th Jun 2024Robert Lewandowski will miss Poland’s opening Euro 2024 match against the Netherlands due to a thigh injury. The Barcelona striker was forced to leave the field during Poland’s 2-1 win over Turkey, initially prompting manager Michal Probierz to downplay the severity of the injury.

Contrary to these early reassurances, team doctor Jacek Jaroszewski later confirmed that Lewandowski had suffered a torn biceps femoris muscle. “This injury will keep him out of the first match,” Jaroszewski stated. The medical team is now racing against time to have him ready for Poland’s second game against Austria.

Group D: Poland’s uphill battlePoland’s journey through Group D is set to be challenging, with matches against the Netherlands, Austria, and France. The absence of Lewandowski, their star striker, could severely impact their performance and chances of advancing.

Even if Lewandowski is fit for the Austria game, there will be concerns about his match readiness and overall fitness. Facing France, the group favorites, in their final group match, Poland will need Lewandowski at his best, a prospect that remains uncertain.

Lewandowski’s season and future prospectsLewandowski, who also captains Poland, wrapped up the La Liga season with an impressive tally of 11 goals and three assists in his last 15 appearances. This strong finish was a rebuttal to earlier criticisms and rumors about his potential departure from Barcelona.

Despite being 35, Lewandowski faced a period of criticism for a goal drought, with speculation that former Barcelona manager Xavi wanted to offload him. This speculation played a role in Barcelona’s decision to change their managerial lineup. Next season, Hansi Flick will take over as manager. Flick, who previously coached Lewandowski at Bayern Munich, saw the striker score 83 goals in 71 games under his leadership, including a record-breaking 41 Bundesliga goals in the 2020/21 season.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer