Poland hope to have Lewandowski back for Austria clash

Poland coach Michal Probierz hopes to be able to select talisman striker Robert Lewandowski when they face Austria at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Friday.

Barcelona forward Lewandowski, 35, missed the opening Group D defeat to the Netherlands because of a thigh injury, but Poland's captain has been able to return to full training.

Centre-back Pawel Dawidowicz could also be involved again following his own fitness problems.

"The most important thing for me is that the medical staff have been up until 2am working to get all the players back on their feet," Probierz said.

"Today everyone goes out for training. After that, we will make specific decisions, but for now all players are available for tomorrow’s match."

Probierz added: "There is a big difference if you have the best player in the world on the bench and whether he is available to play or not – and this is why it is so important for us to have him.

"We want him (Lewandowski) to be healthy. We will make a decision later today. I am waiting for the decision from our medical staff. I hope the decision is positive and that I can select him tomorrow."

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny hopes the expected return of Poland’s all-time record goalscorer can lift the whole squad.

"In my opinion, Lewandowski is the best player in the history of Polish football," the Juventus number one said.

"The mere fact that he is on the pitch changes our attitude and the attitude of the opponent. His presence can only help us."

After Austria also lost their opening group match against France in Dusseldorf, another defeat for either side could all but end hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

"The essence of the game is clear – it has the character of a knockout match," Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said.