Lewandowski’s early exit in Turkey friendly adds to Poland’s injury woes post-Milik

Poland's veteran forward, Robert Lewandowski, suffered a biceps femoris muscle tear during a friendly against Turkey, forcing him to miss the team's Euro 2024 opener against the Netherlands.

Chirag

June 11, 2024

Lewandowski Injured Against Turkey — Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The experienced forward had to leave the field just over 30 minutes into Poland’s 2-1 victory over Turkey in a friendly match in Warsaw on Monday due to an injury. This is a significant setback for the Poland team, especially with their Euro 2024 campaign set to kick off against the Netherlands in less than a week.

According to Mateusz Borek, a journalist from TVP Sport via Super Express Sport, the injury to the Barcelona star was initially deemed minor, with the player feeling some muscle tension and opting to exit the game as a precautionary measure.

However, on Tuesday, the Poland national team confirmed that their captain will be absent for the opening match against the Netherlands on Sunday after tearing his biceps femoris muscle.

The official announcement stated: “On Monday evening, the Polish national team played a friendly match against Turkey. We present the medical report of the national team doctor, Jacek Jaroszewski, regarding the players who suffered injuries in this match. Today, at Enel–Med Szpital Centrum, we examined three players who were injured in the match against Turkey – says Jacek Jaroszewski, doctor of the Polish national team.”

“Paweł Dawidowicz suffered a strained quadriceps muscle. In the case of Karol Swiderski, the examination revealed a sprain of the ankle joint without significant damage. After treatment, both players should return to full training within 3-4 days.”

“Robert Lewandowski suffered a torn biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from participating in the first match of the tournament. We are doing everything so that Robert can play in the second match, against Austria, says Jacek Jaroszewski.”

added Jacek Jaroszewski.

The game against Turkey marked the 150th national team appearance for the 35-year-old striker, who has scored 82 goals since his debut in 2008.

Manager Michal Probierz will be eagerly awaiting Lewandowski’s recovery in hopes of having him back for the team’s second group-stage fixture against Austria on June 21.