Rosicky out for the season

Czech winger continues to struggle with knee problem

By Vasek Kadlec   Last updated: 7th April 2008

Tomas Rosicky Arsenal

Rosicky: Out for season

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Tomas Rosicky has been ruled out of the remainder of the season and is now very doubtful for Euro 2008.

The Czech Republic international limped out of Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Newcastle back in January with a knee injury and has been unable to feature for his club or country since.

Now sidelined for the Gunners' Premier League title tilt, the winger is facing an anxious wait to see whether he will be able to line up for the Czech Republic in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

The national side's team doctor Petr Krejci is in regular contact with the midfielder and admits that the situation looks bleak.

Risk

"It is possible that the problem could fade away in two weeks, but it could also last for another three months," he told Sport.

"Since he has already been out for two months, we are in a tricky situation.

"Karel (Bruckner, Czech manager) is also very worried about it. Tomas is a big player for us and he would be a big loss.

"He can run and jog now, but when he does it for a prolonged period of time it begins to hurt him.

"He would be afraid of sprinting at the moment and as such he is yet to resume full training. We are not prepared to risk him ahead of Euro 2008.

"He is already resigned to missing the rest of the Premier League season, so his priority now is the European Championships."

Preparation

Deputy chairman of the Czech football federation (CMFS) Vlastimil Kostal is also concerned that even if Rosicky does recover in time to make the squad his fitness levels may not be at a suitable level for international competition.

"If I am being honest I am worried that he will not be fit enough for Euro 2008," he said.

"From the point of view that he will not have done enough training, it is not certain that he would be well prepared."

If Rosicky is eventually ruled out of this summer's tournament there is likely to be a clamour for Pavel Nedved to return from international retirement having already stepped out of the wilderness once to feature at the 2006 World Cup.