In Sports News this Monday: the Czech Republic’s footballers prepare for their first competitive game under manager Michal Bílek – but will playmaker Tomáš Rosický be fit for Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania? And Jaroslav Kulhavý takes silver at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Canada.
Footballers prepare for first Euro 2012 qualifier against Lithuania
Michal Bílek, photo: CTK
The Czech Republic’s footballers are currently preparing for their first competitive game under manager Michal Bílek, as they open their campaign to reach the 2012 European Championship with a match against Lithuania in Olomouc. Ahead of Tuesday’s game a great deal of attention has been paid to the fitness of playmaker Tomáš Rosický. The Arsenal midfielder sustained a groin injury in training last week, and there has been some doubt over whether he will be fit in time to face the Lithuanians. But all the signs now are that Rosický will be ready, after he resumed training on Sunday. Petr Krejčí is the Czech team doctor.
Tomáš Rosický, photo: CTK
“He took part in a full training session. Of course training isn’t as intense as an actual game. Games are different, but players know how far they can push themselves, and so far he’s had no problems, so of course we’re glad. His treatment will continue after the international break.”
The Czechs will be hoping victory over Lithuania will put them back on track, after the disappointment of failing to reach this year’s World Cup. Their next Euro 2012 qualifier is at home to Scotland on October 8, with an away game against little Liechtenstein a few days later.
Silver for Czech Kulhavý at mountain bike worlds
Jaroslav Kulhavý, photo: CTK
The Czech Republic’s Jaroslav Kulhavý took silver at the Mountain Bike World Championships in Canada’s Mont-Sainte-Anne at the weekend. Kulhavý, who is 25, had been one of the favourites going into Sunday’s four-cross final after this season becoming the first Czech to ever win a race in the sport’s World Cup.
