Poland have been handed a huge injury blow ahead of commencing their Euro 2024 campaign later this week.
Head coach Michal Probierz has already had to contend with the withdrawal of Arkadiusz Milik who suffered a knee injury during the friendly with Ukraine on June 7.
Although Poland are well stocked for attacking players, the absence of the Juventus forward places extra responsibility on the remaining forwards in the squad.
However, during the 2-1 victory over Turkey on Monday night, Probierz saw two more forwards need to be substituted during the first 33 minutes of the contest.
Celebrating the opening goal, Karol Swiderski managed to sustain an ankle injury that led to him exiting the pitch in the 19th minute.
Less than 15 minutes later, star man Lewandowski went down with a thigh issue and was naturally withdrawn, Probierz not prepared to take any risks with the legendary Barcelona frontman.
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What did Probierz say on the injuries?
While Probierz has indicated that he is not prepared to select any replacements, he acknowledged that there was some concern over the injury to Swiderski.
Furthermore, Probierz initially hinted that Lewandowski should be fit to take his place in the team for Sunday's Euro 2024 opener against Netherlands.
However, Poland have since released a statement to reveal Lewandowski would play no part in their first fixture in Group D.
It read: "Lewandowski suffered a rupture of the biceps femoris muscle, which will exclude him from the first match of the tournament.
Speaking after Monday's game with regards to Swiderski, Probierz said: "Karol has sprained his ankle and only after the tests will we know what the situation looks like. There will certainly be no changes made.
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Poland desperate to keep duo fit
Losing Lewandowski - a player who has 82 goals for his country - naturally comes as a far bigger blow to Poland than it would not having Swiderski for the opening fixture.
However, Swiderski's impact cannot be understated with 11 strikes coming from 31 appearances, as well as featuring at some point during seven of Poland's existing eight-game unbeaten streak.
Probierz does have Krzysztof Piatek and Adam Buksa in reserve, but the fact they started on the substitutes' bench against Turkey may indicate that Swiderski is preferred as it stands.
Poland's three fixtures in the group stages take place against Netherlands (June 16), Austria (June 21) and France (June 25).
Darren Plant
