The Polish Football Association’s official website has announced that striker Robert Lewandowski will miss the opening match against the Netherlands but is expected to return for the clash with Austria on June 21.

Lewandowski sustained an injury during a friendly match against Turkey. The national team’s doctor, Jacek Jaroszewski, stated that they are doing everything possible to ensure the Barcelona striker will be fit for the second group stage match against Austria.

Lewandowski underwent medical examinations at the Polish national team’s training center on Tuesday. Dr. Jacek Jaroszewski provided an update on Lewandowski’s condition: “Lewandowski has a thigh problem and cannot play in the opener.” Polish national team coach Michal Probierz plans to keep Lewandowski with the squad, hoping for a swift recovery.

Poland finds itself in a challenging group, alongside Austria, the Netherlands, and France. The team will face the Netherlands, Austria, and France on June 16, June 21, and June 25, respectively.

The absence of Lewandowski for the first EURO match is a significant blow for Poland. The 1988-born striker is the all-time leading scorer for the national team with 82 goals. He has been an irreplaceable player for Poland for over a decade.

In the recent season, Lewandowski maintained a steady form, scoring 26 goals in 49 appearances for Barcelona, bringing his total to 59 goals in 95 matches for the Catalan club.

Coach Michal Probierz now has two options to pair with forward Karol Swiderski: Krzysztof Piatek and Adam Buksa. Krzysztof Piatek is likely to start in the match against the Netherlands. The former AC Milan player has more international experience compared to his teammate Adam Buksa.