Robert Lewandowski's participation in the Polish national team match against Malta on March 24, 2025, remains uncertain as of Sunday, March 23, 2025. The 36-year-old legendary striker, currently playing for Barcelona, showed signs of discomfort during the previous match against Lithuania, prompting coach Michal Probierz to evaluate his condition closely.
Probierz addressed the media, stating, "We will determine Lewandowski's status precisely after today's training session. Everyone will be on the field, and then we will consult with the doctor to ascertain his chances of participating in the match. We’re tired, and there are some doubts, but the training will help clarify things." The Polish coach's careful words reflect the significance of Lewandowski's fitness, especially as he is a key player in the team's World Cup qualification efforts.
This match presents a golden opportunity for Lewandowski to further cement his legacy. Currently, he stands as the all-time top scorer for the Polish national team with 85 international goals. He is just one goal shy of matching the legendary Ferenc Puskas, who scored 86 international goals. If Lewandowski manages to score against Malta, it would not only mean surpassing Puskas’s record but could also put him in a tie with Belgium's Romelu Lukaku among the top international goal scorers in history.
Despite the physical strain and fatigue frequently associated with such high-stakes matches, Lewandowski has proven resilient. According to the Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo, he has had an impressive season with Barcelona, scoring 35 goals across all competitions, surpassing his previous tally of 33 goals from his debut season.
Recently, Lewandowski himself spoke about his condition in an interview with Polish TV station TVP Sport, sharing insights about his physical discomfort. He said, "I was feeling some pain, but I believe everything will be alright." His words indicate an optimistic outlook, suggesting that he is ready and motivated to play, regardless of any discomfort he may experience.
Furthermore, concerns are growing within Barcelona regarding Lewandowski’s health after he had to be substituted during the match against Lithuania. This decision was made not only to ensure his safety but also to prevent the aggravation of any injuries. His replacement during the match sparked discussions amongst fans and commentators regarding his current physical readiness for the upcoming World Cup qualifier.
As for the Polish national team’s strategy, Coach Probierz emphasized that every player’s performance during practice would be closely monitored. He acknowledged the collective fatigue within the squad but reinforced that today’s training would be pivotal in making crucial decisions about the teammates’ game readiness.
The implications of Lewandowski's potential absence could be significant. With only a few matches left in the World Cup qualification round, Poland needs to consolidate wins to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament. The match against Malta is critical not just for points but more so for team morale, and having someone of Lewandowski’s caliber can shift the outcome dramatically.
The Polish squad has been in sizable preparation for their match on Monday, with the coach highlighting both the physical and mental aspects of the game. Training exercises have been structured not only to enhance physical performance but to elevate spirits as they face Malta, a team they are expected to beat.
As fans await the final decision on Lewandowski's participation, they continue to rally behind their captain. His commitment and achievements have made him a national hero, and any news about his health status fuels excitement, hope, and anxiety among supporters.
Regardless of whether Lewandowski takes to the pitch, the match against Malta represents a pivotal moment in the Polish national team’s journey.
