Poland 'keeper Szczesny to miss crunch Germany clash at Euro 2016

Paris (AFP) – Poland will be without Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny for Thursday’s crucial meeting with fierce rivals Germany for top spot in Euro 2016 Group C.

Szczesny, who spent last season on loan at Italian giants Roma, suffered a thigh injury in Poland’s opening 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Sunday and will be replaced by either Swansea’s Lukasz Fabianski or Artur Boruc of Bournemouth.

“There is no chance for Szczesny to play tomorrow, the team doctor has made the decision,” Poland coach Adam Nawalka said on Wednesday.

“Tomorrow I will announce who will play in goal.”

Poland’s victory over the Northern Irish was their first ever at a European Championship finals.

Nawalka’s men also beat Germany for the first and only time in their history in 20 attempts in qualifying for the finals in France.

And Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski believes that win in Warsaw just over 18 months ago is a huge mental boost ahead of facing the world champions in Paris.

“Psychologically that was very important and it has given us a lot of confidence,” said Blaszczykowski.

“It was an important factor, which has helped us play better in the future, it has helped our team spirit and you can see that in the way that we have played since.

“That moment in Warsaw was one of the most important moments in qualifying and the development of the team.”