Poland women's national volleyball team captain Aleksandra Szczygłowska has been ruled out of the remainder of the European Volleyball Championship due to an infection.
The libero played only in Poland's Group A opening win against Hungary before medical examinations sidelined her for subsequent matches in Istanbul, where she was replaced in the squad by Klaudia Łyduch.
Poland, coached by Stefano Lavarini, built momentum through group play after slow starts against Hungary and Latvia. The team culminated their group campaign with a victory over host nation Turkey, the reigning European champions and Nations League titleholders.
Medical replacement and national team debut
Ahead of Friday's match against Turkey, Łyduch was added to the squad under official medical replacement regulations. Initially brought in solely to assist during training sessions, the libero made her senior national team debut in the win over the host nation.
Łyduch said after her debut that two days earlier she would not have dreamed of such a scenario.
Polish Volleyball Federation representative Anna Daniluk stated earlier in the tournament that Szczygłowska was under the care of medical staff after undergoing necessary tests. Daniluk explained that the issue was not a sports injury and that specific details would not be disclosed out of respect for the player's privacy and medical confidentiality.
Return to Poland and team message
In a message published on the official Polish Volleyball Federation Twitter account, Szczygłowska confirmed her withdrawal from the championship and her return to Poland for further medical treatment.
The team captain said her participation ended unexpectedly due to an infection. She noted that it was not how she had imagined those weeks, adding that she had tried to fight through in the hope her body would endure before being forced to focus on her recovery.
Szczygłowska expressed her thanks to the medical staff, Polish Volleyball, and her manager Jakub Dolata for providing comprehensive care, organizing her travel, and respecting her privacy. She also thanked supporters for their concern and urged them to direct their attention to her teammates as they pursue their goals in the tournament.
The Polish Volleyball Federation issued a statement thanking the European Championship organizers in Istanbul, Turkish medical personnel, and staff at Warsaw Chopin Airport for facilitating transport. The federation added that they wished their captain good health and a rapid return to full fitness.
Round of 16 fixture against Portugal
Poland will next face Portugal in the round of 16 of the competition. Portugal advanced to the knockout stage after finishing fourth in Group C.
The match is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 31 at 18:00 local time.
