As the Polish volleyball squad prepares for their pivotal semifinal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics, they are dealing with a significant injury setback. Key middle blocker Mateusz Bieniek suffered an injury during the quarterfinal clash against Slovenia, casting doubt on his ability to continue in the tournament.
Poland’s 3-1 victory over Slovenia was overshadowed by Bieniek’s injury, which occurred when he twisted his ankle in the closing moments of the match. The severity of the injury has raised concerns about whether Bieniek will be able to return to the court.
Following the match, Polish head coach Nikola Grbic was unable to provide a clear assessment of the injury’s extent, noting that it would only be fully understood after Bieniek underwent comprehensive medical tests.
On Tuesday, PKOl President Radosław Piesiewicz initially announced that Bieniek would be sidelined for the remainder of the Olympics, with Bartłomiej Bołądź, who had been a reserve player, set to replace him. However, Piesiewicz later revised his statement to reflect that while it is highly likely Bieniek will not return, the final decision rests with the global volleyball federation, the International Olympic Committee, and the Local Organizing Committee.
“The injury to Mateusz Bieniek’s left foot suffered in the last match unfortunately excludes him from further sports competition during the Olympic tournament. According to the regulations, Bartłomiej Bołądź will complete the national team’s match squad,” Polska Siatkówka wrote on X.
⚠️ Kontuzja lewej stopy, której w ostatnim meczu doznał Mateusz Bieniek, wyklucza go niestety z dalszej rywalizacji sportowej podczas turnieju olimpijskiego
— POLSKA SIATKÓWKA (@PolskaSiatkowka) August 6, 2024
⚠️ Zgodnie z regulaminem skład meczowy reprezentacji uzupełni Bartłomiej Bołądź pic.twitter.com/v5dmeEiLpn
The Polish team is now set to face the United States in the semifinals on Wednesday at 4 p.m.