Czech trio return to squad

By Ladislav Josef

Trio return
BV Borussia Dortmund's Rosický is back after six weeks out with a broken arm, while Šmicer is fully fit following a spell on the sidelines with an achilles problem and is in with a chance of making his first international appearance since September 2003. Also back in the squad, after missing last month's 2-1 defeat in the Republic of Ireland, is AC Sparta Praha captain Poborský.

Brückner eases players back
"They return at the right time. I don´t suppose they are all in top form now, but there's still two months before kick-off," said Brückner about the players' recovery and their chances of reaching peak fitness for UEFA EURO 2004.

Mareš recalled
Brückner has also called up FC Zenit St. Peterburg defender Pavel Mareš after a two-year absence. The 28-year-old left-back has been brought in as cover for Zdenek Grygera, who is a doubt for the finals. "My assistant Miroslav Beránek watched him in St. Petersburg and his references are very positive. Maybe he deserved to be called up a little earlier," added Brückner.

No place for Plašil
Surprise ommissions from the squad however, include Sparta striker Jirí Štajner and AS Monaco FC midfield player Jaroslav Plašil, who is the only Czech player still active in this season's UEFA Champions League.

Czech Republic squad
Cech, Blazek, Bolf, Drobný, Rozehnal, Jankulovski, Ujfaluši, Jiránek, Mareš, Týce, Galásek, Nedved, Poborský, Rosický, Vachoušek, Šmicer, Baroš, Heinz, Koller, Lokvenc.