Saturday November 30, 2024

Lewandowski to miss WC qualifier against Hungary

Published : 15 Nov 2021, 14:41

DF News Desk

Poland's Robert Lewandowski (front) celebrates with his teammates during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying round Group G match between Latvia and Poland in Riga, Latvia, Oct. 10, 2019. File Photo: Xinhua.

Robert Lewandowski will not play in Poland's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Hungary, the Polish Football Federation (PZPN) informed on its official site on Monday, reported Xinhua.

Paulo Sousa's team will host Hungary in their last Group I match of the FIFA World Cup qualifications. Poland sits second in the group and is already assured of a place in the play-off round after beating Andorra 4-1 last time. It was captain Lewandowski who led the team to victory, as the Bayern Munich striker scored twice.

"Since October 9, Robert has played 849 minutes, and in the whole season already 1,438. The intensity is therefore very high. The coach, together with the player, decided that it is a good time for Lewandowski to take a break. The goal has been achieved, the Polish national team will play in the 2022 World Cup play-offs," said Poland team manager Jakub Kwiatkowski.

Defender Kamil Glik of Benevento will also miss Monday's clash.

"If Glik receives a yellow card in the game against Hungary, he would not be able to play in the first leg of the play-off. We want to avoid this. Play-offs and progression to the World Cup are the most important things for us," Kwiatkowski added.