Lech Poznan dealt injury blow as international striker ruled out of Sunderland clash

Lech Poznan are set to be without key striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh for Thursday’s Europa League tie with Sunderland.

The Polish champions have enjoyed a solid start to their attempts to retain their Ekstraklasa title after winning all but two of their first nine league fixtures ahead of Sunday’s home game with Korona Kielce. The form of striker Allahyar Sayyadmanesh has been integral to their recent form after the nine-times capped Iranian international scored five goals in eight games and also found the net in Europa League qualifying round wins against Klaksvik and Thun.

However, the former Hull City and Fenerbahce forward is set to remain on the sidelines for the next fortnight after being struck with a hamstring injury during a training session earlier this month.

Speaking after a friendly draw with German side Energie Cottbus, Lech boss Frederiksen told the club’s internal media: “Allahyar’s situation is serious. He is out because of a hamstring injury. We expect him to be sidelined for around four weeks, and after four weeks he should return to the team. It is not good news, but that is football.”

Lech are already without Sweden international defender Alex Douglas after he picked up a serious ankle injury that is set to keep him on the sidelines until December and Sayyadmanesh’s fellow Iran international Ali Gholizadeh is still making his way back from an ACL injury that ruled him out of the World Cup finals.

Who are Lech Poznan’s dangermen?

Although the loss of Sayyadmanesh is a blow for the Polish side, they still have a number of other threats across their attacking line. Former Real Madrid youngster Pablo Rodriguez joined Lech during the summer of 2025 and showed glimpses of his ability - but a strong start to the current season has led the attacking midfielder to become a key figure within their side after he provided 11 goal contributions (six goals and five assists) in 18 appearances in all competitions. Versatile forward Patrick Walemark, who joined Black Cats goalkeeper Melker Ellborg in the Sweden squad recently, has outshone Rodriguez with an impressive ten goals and five assists in 18 games in all competitions.

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