Upcoming European Championship sees odd turn of events: Poland's prominent forwards face injuries
The Polish football team is experiencing a significant blow ahead of the start of the Euros: prominent striker Robert Lewandowski sustained an injury in a warm-up match against Turkey. On top of that, two of his potential strike partners have also been sidelined.
The Polish national squad has been struck by a mysterious and damaging string of injuries, just before the start of the European Championship. To add to the agony, even their captain and star player Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona had to be replaced mid-match in their 2:1 win against Turkey. During the 33rd minute, the former Bayern Munich striker collapsed to the ground, clutching his right leg, and was unable to continue playing. It remains uncertain if he'll be able to play in the team's first game of the tournament.
An even more concerning situation unfolded with two of Lewandowski's potential strike partners. Karol Swiderski of Hellas Verona netted the opening goal against Turkey in the 12th minute, with Lewandowski setting up the shot. But during the celebration, Swiderski aggravated his own injury and was promptly substituted. Worse yet, fellow forward Arkadiusz Milik of Juventus had already sustained a knee injury in their previous win against Ukraine and will certainly miss the EM in Germany.
Baris Alper Yilmaz (78th) equalized for Turkey, only for Nicola Zalewski (AS Roma/90th) to score the game-winning goal right before time elapsed against the team that finished third in the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Salih Özcan of Dortmund started for the opposing Turkish team that has also secured a spot in the Euros. The Poles are pitted against three formidable opponents in the EM group stages: the Netherlands, Austria, and France. Currently, the only strikers in form for the Poles are former Hertha BSC player Krzysztof Piatek (Basaksehir Istanbul) and Adam Buksa (Antalyaspor).
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Despite the setbacks, Poland's coach is optimistic about their chances, as alternate striker Krzysztof Piatek and Adam Buksa have shown promising form. However, the absence of Robert Lewandowski and his strike partners at the European Football Championship 2024 could significantly impact Poland's offensive strategy.
