Slovakia midfielder Miroslav Karhan has been ruled out of the World Cup with injury.
Midfielder sidelined for three weeks with injury
Slovakian Miroslav Karhan has been ruled out of the World Cup with injury, the midfielder announced on Saturday.
The 33-year-old, who has won 96 caps for Slovakia, scoring 13 goals, is suffering from a recurring Achilles tendon injury.
The former Wolfsburg and Besiktas player, who is currently signed with Bundesliga club Mainz, is set to face three weeks on the sidelines, ruling out a trip to South Africa.
"The injury is just a small fissure on the achilles tendon, but it is enough to prevent me from taking part in the World Cup," Karhan told Mainz's official website.
"This is pure disappointment for me as there are just two weeks left until the tournament.
"I should be out for at least three weeks and this will mean I am not able to participate in the tournament.
"I am back home when the World Cup is being played, I am not taking part."
Frustrating
The veteran midfielder is devastated not to be able to represent his team on their first time playing in the finals.
"Slovakia has qualified for the first time and I am not going to be there with the team," he added. "This very frustrating news for me."
Slovakia will feature in Group F of the tournament against holders Italy, New Zealand and Paraguay.
