On Monday, the Polish national team began preparations for the last two matches of this year's Nations League – on November 15 at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto against Portugal and three days later at the PGE Narodowy in Warsaw against Scotland.
This is how the players reacted to Lewandowski's absence
Just before the start of the training camp, the Poles received the terrible news that the injured Robert Lewandowski would not take part. – The reason for Lewandowski's absence is a back injury he suffered in a league match against Real Sociedad, excluding him from the game for about ten days – among others wrote PZPN in the official announcement about Lewandowski's absence.
How did other players react to Lewandowski's absence and how will they cope without him?
– We have to cope. That's what a team is for. And that's why there are over 20 players to cope on the pitch. Obviously, the fact that Robert is gone is a big loss, because he is our captain, said Marcin Bułka, goalkeeper of the Polish national team, for the portal “Meczyki.pl”.
– And strictly speaking, football. What changes when “Lewy” is gone? We play a little differently than with Świderski – the journalist asked. – That's a question for the coach – Bułka replied.
Two players who are waiting for their debut in the Polish national team: Antoni Kozubal and Michał Gurgul were disconsolate about Lewandowski's absence.
– I was very sorry when I received this information. It's a pity that there is no such person, because there is definitely a lot I could learn from him – admitted Kozubal.
– He's a great player, so I definitely wanted him to be here. You could say I was waiting for him, added Gurgul.
All statements can be seen here.
In Lewandowski's absence, coach Michał Probierz has three strikers at his disposal: Adam Buksa, Krzysztof Piątek and Karol Świderski.
The Portugal – Poland match will take place on Friday, November 15 at 20.45. The Poland-Scotland clash will also start at the same time (November 18). Live coverage of both meetings on Sport.pl and in the Sport.pl LIVE application.