Kuszczak Out Of Euros
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Poland have been dealt a huge blow ahead of EURO 2008, with the news that goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak has been forced to withdraw through injury.
The Manchester United shot-stopper pulled up with a back problem, and has subsequently been ruled out of the tournament.
Team spokesperson Marta Alf said: "After a spine scan in hospital in Graz and after consultations with a UEFA doctor it has been assessed Kuszczak will be out for three weeks."
The 26-year-old was expected act as backup for first-choice keeper Artur Boruc, but Arsenal reserve Lucasz Fabianski will now be promoted to the No. 2 role.
It is the second withdrawal Poland have had thrust upon them ahead of their Group B opener with Germany on Saturday, as midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski was replaced by Lukasz Piszczek after suffering a hamstring strain.
Coach Leo Beenhakker has requested special permission from UEFA to call up 31-year-old keeper Wojciech Kowalewski, who featured three times during Poland’s qualifying campaign.