Czechs count cost of injuries
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Article summary
Mario Holek has withdrawn from the Czech Republic squad due to injury while captain Martin Latka remains doubtful because of a thigh complaint.
Article body
The Czech Republic face mounting injury problems ahead of their UEFA European Under-21 Championship opener against England after midfielder Mario Holek withdrew from the squad with an ankle injury, while captain Martin Latka remains doubtful due to a thigh problem.
Rýdel high
Filip Rýdel has been called up as a replacement for 1. FC Brno midfielder Holek, who has failed to overcome a sprained ankle. It is the 23-year-old Rýdel's first involvement with the U21s, the SK Sigma Olomouc midfielder not having represented his country beyond U19 level.
Latka doubt
Defender and captain Latka's participation is also a question mark because of a thigh complaint. The 22-year-old from SK Slavia Praha missed last Thursday's training match against second division side SK Hradec Králové, which the U21s lost 4-2 despite leading 2-0 through a pair of Michal Papadopulos goals. Defender Michal Švec also suffered an ankle injury in that game, but will be fit to face Group B rivals England on Monday.