Damian Gorawski out of Poland World Cup squad

WARSAW, May 22: FK Moscow midfielder Damian Gorawski withdrew from Poland's World Cup squad today after medical tests uncovered a serious circulation and respiratory condition just hours before the team left for Germany.

''Tests have uncovered changes in his circulation and respiratory system which leave no doubt,'' team doctor Jerzy Grzywocz told reporters at Warsaw airport.

''These tests do not allow us to risk his health and life. We have sent the medical documentation to FIFA.'' Coach Pawel Janas has called up Lech Poznan defender Bartosz Bosacki as a replacement and played down the impact on the squad, already hit by a row over the shock exclusion of Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and striker Tomasz Frankowski.

''Bosacki will fly out with us to Switzerland,'' he told reporters. ''I don't see any problem with exchanging a idfielder for a defender. We had nine midfielders, now we will have eight -- it is enough.'' FIFA regulations allow teams to replace an injured player in the squad up to 24 hours before their first game.

Janas's 23-man squad flew out today to begin final preparations in Switzerland for next month's finals. They face hosts Germany, Ecuador and Costa Rica in Group A.

REUTERS