Poland facing Euro 2024 exit as they sweat on Lewandowski fitness

Poland's hopes of progressing from Group C of Euro 2024 are hanging in the balance as they sweat on the fitness of star striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Barcelona forward suffered a thigh injury in training and is a doubt for Poland's crucial match against Austria on Thursday.

If France beat Netherlands in the 2000 BST kick-off, Poland will be eliminated from the tournament, having lost their opening game to Slovakia.

Lewandowski is Poland's all-time leading goalscorer and his absence would be a major blow to their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

The 34-year-old has been in excellent form for Barcelona this season, scoring 43 goals in all competitions.

Poland coach Czesław Michniewicz is hopeful that Lewandowski will be fit to face Austria, but he admits that the team will have to be prepared to play without him.

"Robert is a key player for us, but we have other players who can step up and fill his shoes," Michniewicz said.

"We are confident that we can get a result against Austria, even if Robert is not fit to play."

Poland will be looking to Austria's Marko Arnautovic as a potential danger man. The Bologna striker has scored three goals in his last two matches for his country.

Austria will be looking to build on their impressive 3-1 win over North Macedonia in their opening game of the tournament.

The match between Poland and Austria is scheduled to kick off at 1700 BST on Thursday.