Robert Lewandowski ruled OUT of Poland’s World Cup qualifier against England

Robert Lewandowski will miss Poland’s World Cup qualifier against England at Wembley on Wednesday after suffering a knee injury, his national side have confirmed.

The Bayern Munich star limped off during his team’s 3-0 win over Andorra last week, with the 32-year-old damaging ligaments in his right knee – with Poland revealing he will play no part in the crunch clash. 

It is a huge blow to the team and their hopes of securing a crucial result against the Three Lions – their biggest obstacle standing in their way of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Robert Lewandowski will not play against England for Poland on Wednesday due to knee blow

In a statement, Poland said playing the forward ‘would carry too much risk of aggravating the injury’ and said they expected him to be sidelined for a period between five and ten days. 

It could mean that Lewandowski will be out for Bayern Munich’s pivotal Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig on April 3. 

‘Robert Lewandowski will not play in Wednesday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying match against England in London due to an injury,’ said Poland. 

‘Clinical and imaging studies have shown damage to the collateral ligament of the right knee. The short time remaining until the next match of the national team excludes the participation of the national team captain in this match. 

The Bayern Munich forward netted twice for Poland as they defeated Andorra 3-0 on Sunday

But he was hauled off on the hour mark by boss Paulo Sousa after picking up a knee problem

‘This would carry too much risk of aggravating the injury. This decision is the only right one, bearing in mind the upcoming EURO 2020 tournament. 

‘Treatment of this type of injury usually lasts from 5 to 10 days. Therefore, Robert Lewandowski will return to the club, where he will undergo further rehabilitation.’

Lewandowski, one of the most feared strikers in world football, showed how vital he is to the Poland side and their hopes at Euro 2020 this summer by netting twice against Andorra on Sunday before being hauled off on the hour mark.

Manager Paulo Sousa – formerly of Leicester and QPR – admitted he was unsure if Lewandowski would be fit in time for the clash in the UK.

Supporters were hoping to watch Harry Kane (L) and Lewandowski square off at Wembley

His injury problem could see him miss Bayern Munich’s key game against RB Leipzig next week

‘He felt a pain in his knee,’ he said after the game. ‘Tomorrow we will check whether he is okay. He needs to rest and sleep well now.’

His absence will be a huge boost for England and their hopes of securing a quick qualification from Group I. 

Poland will be their toughest opponent in a group that contains San Marino – ranked the worst side in the world and who England thrashed 5-0 last week. Gareth Southgate’s men followed that up with a confident 2-0 win over Albania on Sunday.

Fans had been looking forward to seeing Lewandowski going up against Tottenham’s Harry Kane in what would have two of the world’s top forwards battling it out to show who has the edge on the national stage.