Poland hopeful of star Lewandowski return for key Austria clash

BERLIN: Poland are hopeful star striker Robert Lewandowski will feature against Austria on Friday in a crunch Euro 2024 Group D clash after battling to return from a thigh injury.

The 35-year-old Barcelona forward missed the team´s opening defeat to the Netherlands, spending time in a cryo-chamber to help his recovery, and goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny suggested the forward would play some part in the game. It is a must-win game for both sides after Poland lost to the Netherlands and France overcame Austria in their opening matches.

“The Austrians will not be happy that he is fit... I don´t know if he´s ready for 90 mins tomorrow, it´s not for me to judge,” Juventus goalkeeper Szczesny told a news conference Thursday. “The fact he´s on the pitch will add a lot of value to our team.” Poland coach Michal Probierz said he would decide his line-up after Poland´s training session later Thursday, but said “all players” were available, including Lewandowski.