Injury blow for Blaszczykowski

Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski will miss his side’s World Cup qualifier against England with an ankle injury.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder picked up the injury in the Bundesliga champions’ 1-1 draw with Hannover on Sunday.

The 26-year-old could face up to six weeks out of action, meaning he must wait before he can build on his solid start to the season.

“I immediately felt something wrong. As an athlete, you notice this,” Blaszczykowski said.

“It’s not easy, especially since I’ve had a good season. But I’ve had worse things. I will fight and try to come back quickly.

“This is very annoying. But it cannot be helped. The guys can do it without me!”

Blaszczykowski will not only be absent for his side’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid but he will also miss the World Cup qualifier against England and a friendly against South Africa four days earlier.

“If it works, I’ll go to Warsaw. I am the captain, I want to be there and support the troops,” he said.