The Bayern Munich forward, who was in the shape of his life for both club and country.
Robert Lewandowski will miss a match against England
Robert Lewandowski will miss Poland’s upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup in a Group I qualifier against England after it was confirmed that he had a ligament injury in his knee against Andorra on Sunday. The Bayern Munich forward, who was in the shape of his life for both club and country. He was replaced during his national team’s routine 3-0 win on Sunday. It was just after the hour mark, having bagged a brace. Paulo Sousa’s team will now have to contend with a crunch clash against Gareth Southgate’s side without their best striker. At the same time, the 32-year-old’s degree of injury could also keep him from a couple of vital Bundesliga and Champions League clashes over the next eight days.
The Polish striker will return to Bayern for further rehabilitation
“Robert Lewandowski will not play in the 2022 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday against England in London due to injury,” according to an official statement posted on the Polish FA’s website. “Clinical tests have shown damage to the collateral ligament of the right knee. The short time remaining until the next match excludes the national team captain’s participation in this game. It would entail too much risk of aggravating the injury. “This decision is the only correct one given the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament. Treatment for this type of injury usually lasts from five to 10 days. Therefore, Robert Lewandowski will return to Bayern Munich for further rehabilitation.”
The lay-off means that the striker – a favourite to claim the Ballon d’Or after missing last year when the award was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic – looks set to sit out three of the biggest games of the year so far for the club and country. On Wednesday, his absence at Wembley will mean Poland face a tougher challenge against England. Which could open up a five-point lead in Group I if they emerge victoriously. Lewandowski will be then likely to miss Bayern’s first game back after the international break. A first-versus-second clash in the Bundesliga against title rivals RB Leipzig. As well as the opening match of their Champions League quarter-finals, a rematch of last year’s final with Paris Saint Germain.