Czech rest-cure for Galásek

Midfield player Tomáš Galásek will be rested for the Czech Republic's friendly game against Turkey in Teplice on 30 April.

Knee problems
Karel Brückner has allowed the AFC Ajax man to take a well-earned break from international duty as he attempts to recover from a knee injury, but the coach has included most of the other players who excelled in the Czech Republic's UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers against the Netherlands and Austria.

Good form
The Czech Republic have been in fine form under Brückner, and are unbeaten in 13 games, leading EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 3 with three wins from four matches. Hamburger SV defender Milan Fukal has joined the squad in place of Reggina Calcio’s Martin Jiránek. Meanwhile, PFC CSKA Moskva’s record signing Jirí Jarosík has been allowed to stay with his club.

Štajner returns
In Jarosík’s place, Hannover 96 striker Jirí Štajner has been called up to the national squad for the first time since last October. The 27-year-old has been in fine form in the Bundesliga, scoring in a recent game against runaway league leaders FC Bayern München.

Czech Republic squad
Čech, Blažek, Bolf, Grygera, Hübschman, Jankulovski, Ujfaluši, Fukal, Gedeon, Nedved, Poborský, Rosický,  Šmicer, Baroš, Vachoušek, Koller, Lokvenc, Štajner.