Lewandowski ruled out of Euro 2024 opener

Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of Poland’s opening European Championship game against the Netherlands due to a thigh injury.

Head coach Michal Probierz confirmed Lewandowski suffered a “slight injury” during a pre-tournament warm-up game but said he has no plans to call up a replacement for the 35-year-old.

“Robert Lewandowski suffered a ruptured biceps thigh muscle which will rule him out of the first match of the tournament,” Poland doctor Jacek Jaroszewski said in a statement on Tuesday. “We are doing everything to ensure that Robert can play in the second game, against Austria.”

Lewandowski was substituted off in the 32nd minute of Monday night’s friendly against Turkey — Poland’s final warm-up match ahead of the tournament, which they won 2-1.

He had assisted fellow forward Karol Swidersky’s 12th-minute goal in the match, with the Charlotte FC man also withdrawn through injury in the 19th minute.

Probierz, though, appeared to play down the extent of Lewandowski’s injury after the match.

“Robert has a slight injury, hopefully, there should be no problems,” Probierz said. “Karol twisted his ankle joint, after the tests the situation will be known.

“Also the change of Pawel Dawidowicz was due to an injury. I hope they will recover after a few days. We do not plan to call up anyone.”

Jaroszewski also confirmed that Dawidowicz and Swidersky are due to return to full training within three to four days.

Poland’s injury concerns over Lewandowski and Swidersky come after Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik was ruled out of the tournament through injury.

Adam Buksa (Antalyaspor) and Krzysztof Piatek (Istanbul Basaksehir) are the two other forward options available in Probierz’s squad.

Lewandowski is both Poland’s most-capped player with 150 appearances and record scorer with 82.

Poland get their Euro 2024 campaign underway against the Netherlands on June 16 before playing Austria five days later and concluding their campaign against France on June 25.

(Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images)