Poland face Sweden without Jurecki and Lijewski

Poland face Sweden without Jurecki and Lijewski

After finishing eighth at the 2013 World Championship in Spain, Poland's head coach Michael Biegler now announced his team for the EHF EURO 2014 qualification matches against Sweden on 4 and 7 April.

Poland had a successful start to this qualification phase, winning their two matches so far against Netherlands and Ukraine.

However, a few days out of the throw off on 4 April it became clear that Poland have to cope with the absence of two experienced players.

Michał Jurecki, who spearheaded Poland’s run to the silver medal at the 2007 World Championship, could not be nominated for the 18-man squad.

The Vive Targi Kielce left back had to leave the preparation camp for the EHF EURO 2014 qualification matches fearing that some slight injury troubles could get worse.

"I decided not to play in the matches against Sweden due to health problems.

"I've had a problem with my knees, they are overtired. Additionally my Achilles' tendon also needs a rest," Jurecki was quoted in Polish media.

Furthermore Krzysztof Lijewski is troubled by similar problems and decided to give the first qualification match a pass due to a knee injury.

It is possible that he will play on Sunday, 7 April, in the second match against Sweden.

Biegler's squad also includes two debutants: Michał Daszek and Marek Szpera.

"I am very happy with this chance, which I get from the coach. I am also surprised, but I will give my best if only I get onto the court.

"Playing for national team means that my dreams come true. It is a wonderful feeling," Michal Daszek said.

The first qualifier on 3 April will be played in the Malmö Arena, Sweden, while the second one is scheduled to take place in Gdańsk, Poland, on 7 April.

Poland's squad for the EHF EURO 2014 qualification against Sweden:

Goalkeepers: Sławomir Szmal (KS Vive Targi Kielce), Marcin Wichary (Orlen Wisła Płock)

Wingers: Patryk Kuchczyński (KS Handball Zabrze), Michał Daszek (MMTS Kwidzyn), Przemysław Krajewski (KS Azoty Puławy), Adam Wiśniewski (Orlen Wisła Płock)

Backs: Bartłomiej Jaszka (Füchse Berlin, GER), Mariusz Jurkiewicz (Atletico Madryt, ESP), Michał Kubisztal, Paweł Paczkowski (Orlen Wisła Płock), Marek Szpera (SPR Stal Mielec), Karol Bielecki (KS Vive Targi Kielce), Paweł Podsiadło (Selestat Alsace, FRA)

Line players: Piotr Grabarczyk (KS Vive Targi Kielce), Bartosz Jurecki (SC Magdeburg, GER) Kamil Syprzak (Orlen Wisła Płock)