Lewandowski is ruled out of Wembley clash

POLAND striker Robert Lewandowski has been ruled out of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier with England due to a knee injury.

The 32-year-old is the captain of Poland and their all-time record goalscorer, having struck 66 times in 118 internationals.

He had been highlighted by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate as the dangerman ahead of the Group I clash at Wembley – but the Polish FA confirmed yesterday that the Bayern Munich striker will sit out the game.

“Robert Lewandowski will not play in Wednesday’s 2022 World Cup qualifying match against England in London due to an injury,” a statement on its website read.

“Clinical and imaging studies have shown damage to the collateral ligament of the right knee. The short time remaining until the next match of the national team excludes the participation of the national team captain in this match.

“This would carry too much risk of aggravating the injury. This decision is the only right one, bearing in mind the upcoming Euro tournament.

“Treatment of this type of injury usually lasts from five to ten days.

Therefore, Lewandowski will return to the club, where he will undergo further rehabilitation.”

Lewandowski has already scored three goals from their opening two qualifying games for Qatar 2022 – netting a late equaliser in a 3-3 draw in Hungary and grabbing a brace in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Andorra.

The eight-time Bundesliga winner has faced England twice in the past and has yet to score past the Three Lions, who sit top of the qualifying group after picking up maximum points from their first two games with San Marino and Albania.