Poland vs Austria lineups: Predicted XIs, confirmed team news ...
A thigh injury kept the Barcelona striker out of the Poles’ first game in Germany, a late defeat to Netherlands after an early Adam Buksa header put them in the lead.
Michal Probierz’s side struggled to create chances outside of set plays however and changes should come in attack with Lewandowski replacing Buksa and Karol Swiderski making his case with a strong cameo off the bench. Jakub Moder could also get the nod to start in midfield.
“There is a big difference if you have best player in the world on the bench or you have him on the pitch," Probierz said on Thursday. “We will make a decision later today.
“I hope the decision is positive and I hope I can select him tomorrow. We still don't know. They are warming up now. I am waiting for the medical team to take the decision.”
At the back, Bartosz Salamon is a doubt after hurting his ankle against the Dutch and Pawel Dawidowicz could step in for the veteran centre-back as he nears a return from injury.
“The medical team worked on the players until two in the morning,” continued Probierz. “Practically all players will appear in training and a decision will be taken after that.”
Austria are also chasing a first point having lost to France to open their campaign.
Ralf Rangnick is not thought to be contending with any fresh injury issues but his side’s inability to create chances could lead to fresh faces in attack.
Wolfsburg winger Patrick Wimmer could make the XI while Marko Arnautovic and Romano Schmid are also candidates.
Predicted Poland XI: Szczesny; Bendarek, Dawidowicz, Kiwior; Frankowski, Moder, Romanczuk, Zielinski, Zalewski; Swiderski, Lewandowski
Predicted Austria XI: Pentz; Posch, Danso, Wober, Mwene; Seiwald, Laimer; Wimmer, Sabitzer, Baumgartner; Gregoritsch
Time and date: 5pm BST, Friday June 21, 2024
Venue: Olympiastadion, Berlin
