Image via Mikolaj Barbanell/Shutterstock
First reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport and followed up today by Sebastian Staszewski, Arkadiusz Milik suffered an injury to his hip flexor during Juventus’ 2-0 defeat on Sunday at home to Monza. He will undergo further tests which will determine the length of this enforced absence, with an estimate put that Milik will be out of action until at least the start of March, if not halfway through March itself.
Poland’s first game of Euro 2024 qualifying is set to take place in Prague against the Czech Republic on the 24th of March, and if Milik’s injury is to be on the more serious end of this timeframe, he is likely to miss both this game and the next one against Albania three days later. He will also miss both legs of Juventus’ Europa League knockout tie against Nantes, as well as big Serie A fixtures away to Roma and Inter Milan.
Not only will Milik’s absence be a potential issue for Poland, but it looks to be a real issue for Juventus as well. Main striker Dusan Vlahovic has had a less impressive season than last and the Serbian has been blighted by injury, not to mention other option Moise Kean has been inconsistent at best. Milik had become a must start and there was little doubting that Juventus would be exercising the option to buy in Milik’s loan contract, contrary to reports in the Italian media.
With news today also emanating from Holland that Sebastian Szymański will be out for a few weeks with a knee issue, and two major creative options for Poland who have been in good form this season look like they will be absent for the start of European qualifying.
So, who’s likely to replace them? The front runner to take the extra spot possibly opening up at striker would almost certainly be Dawid Kownacki, given the form he has been in with Fortuna Düsseldorf this 2. Bundesliga season, and you imagine that Kacper Kozłowski would be the most direct replacement for Szymański.
Of course, it’s yet to be seen whether or not these injuries will be as serious as predicted, but it looks like both Milik and Szymański will be set for at least a month on the sidelines.
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