Manager Jan Urban is facing an unprecedented squad crisis ahead of the decisive matches for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robert Lewandowski, Matty Cash, and Jan Bednarek are battling injuries that put their participation in the playoffs in doubt. While Spanish media suggest the Barcelona striker could return for the match against Athletic Bilbao, the health situation of the other national team players remains a concern for the coaching staff.

Lewandowski Fights for Return

The national team captain is training in a protective mask and may play in the upcoming league match against Bilbao.

Injury Plague in Defense

Injuries to Matty Cash and Jan Bednarek complicate manager Jan Urban's plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs.

Piotr Zieliński's Success

The midfielder was chosen as the best player of the month at Inter Milan, confirming his high form.

Barcelona Transfer Speculation

Reports are emerging about the transfer plans of the Pride of Catalonia and a potential successor to Lewandowski.

The situation for the Poland national team less than a few weeks before the crucial playoff matches for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is becoming dramatic. The national team's medical staff and manager Jan Urban are anxiously monitoring reports from the European clubs where the pillars of the national eleven play. The health of the team's captain, Robert Lewandowski, is causing the most concern. The Pole, who recently appeared in public wearing a special protective mask, underwent a series of tests in Barcelona. However, Spanish journalists are cautiously optimistic, suggesting the striker could be ready to play in the upcoming league match against Athletic Bilbao. Simultaneously, worrying news is arriving from England. The Aston Villa manager confirmed an injury to Matty Cash, who is a key element of the Polish defense. The situation is worsened by reports on the health of Jan Bednarek. The Southampton defender is also undergoing intensive rehabilitation and is racing against time to be ready for the March training camp. The wave of injuries is forcing Jan Urban to consider alternative call-ups, especially with a spot in the most important tournament of the four-year cycle at stake. In the shadow of the health problems, transfer speculation regarding Lewandowski's future in the Catalan capital is also emerging. Media reports suggest the potential departure of the Pole and Barcelona's interest in new strikers from the Premier League. The Poland national team regularly struggles with squad shortages before crucial playoff matches, which historically occurred, for example, before the victorious clash with Sweden in 2022.A glimmer of hope for Polish fans is the excellent form of Piotr Zieliński. The midfielder was officially named the best player of the month for Inter Milan, a historic distinction for a Pole at the club. His form could prove crucial given the weaknesses in other formations. Meanwhile, the private lives of the national team players are also attracting media attention, after a joint photo of the Lewandowski and Szczęsny families from an evening meeting appeared online, suggesting that despite sporting tensions, the atmosphere within the group remains friendly. „Sytuacja zdrowotna kilku kluczowych zawodników jest monitorowana z godziny na godzinę.” (The health situation of several key players is being monitored hour by hour.) — Jan Urban

Mentioned People

  • Robert Lewandowski — Captain of the Poland national team, striker for FC Barcelona.
  • Jan Urban — Manager of the Poland national team.
  • Piotr Zieliński — Midfielder for the Poland national team and Inter Milan.
  • Matty Cash — Defender for Aston Villa and the Poland national team.
  • Jan Bednarek — Defender for Southampton and the Poland national team.