Bayern Munich‘s sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić has ruled out the chances of Robert Lewandowski appearing for Poland against England in the World Cup qualifier set to take place at the end of March.
Robert Lewandowski Unlikely to be Allowed to Play England
Quarantine Likely to Rule Out Poland’s Number Nine
The 2020 European player of the year is likely to be kept in Munich, as travelling to England to play at Wembley would seemingly result in a mandatory quarantine for him.
David Alaba also seems to be unavailable for Austria when they take on Scotland at Hampden Park for the same reason.
Speaking ahead of the international break, Salihamidžić clarified Bayern’s stance on the matter, as several managers of Europe’s top clubs have had to do in recent times.
With FIFA’s most recent regulations allowing for clubs to deny players permission to travel with their international squads when mandatory quarantine is required, Bayern seem certain to keep Lewandowski and Alaba for these crucial fixtures.
Speaking today ahead of the final weekend of football before the March international break, Salihamidžić said: “We have talked with the national football associations and we are in constant contact with the authorities. David Alaba will not travel to Scotland with his team and the same applies to Lewandowski if the quarantine is mandatory.”
The quarantine that would be required for two of Bayern’s key players would rule them out for the top-of-the-table clash with RB Leipzig and the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash with Paris Saint Germain.
Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick also confirmed the news today at a press conference, saying: “We will not agree. If something changes, though, we’ll support that.”
Striker Crisis for Poland National Team
Poland look set to be without their captain against England as well as Hertha Berlin striker Krzysztof Piątek. Ligue 1 has also decided against players travelling outside the European Union during this international break, meaning Arkadiusz Milik will also miss the trip to Wembley.
Poland’s main strikers are set to be available for the other fixtures Poland has in March against Hungary and Andorra.
Paulo Sousa is likely to have a selection headache and may have to draft in an uncapped striker to play against the Three Lions, such as PAOK Athens forward Karol Świderski.
With few teams in England’s World Cup qualifying group likely to compete with them outside of Poland, this dilemma could play a massive role in the outcome of Group I.
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