Lewandowski facing Euro 2024 fitness race after being ruled out of Poland’s opener

Robert Lewandowski will miss Poland’s European Championship opener against the Netherlands on Sunday after sustaining a torn hamstring, the country’s football federation has said.

The 35-year-old Barcelona forward picked up the problem during a 2-1 friendly win over Turkey on Monday. Poland said they would do everything to ensure that Lewandowski can play in their second match in Germany, against Austria.

“We examined three players who suffered injuries in the match against Turkey … [defender] Pawel Dawidowicz suffered a pulled quadriceps thigh muscle,” a statement said. “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 finish their group campaign against France on 25 June.

Paul

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