Injury setback for Sionko

Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko expects to be out of action for three weeks.

Rangers midfielder Libor Sionko expects to be out of action for three weeks with a thigh injury.

Sionko was hurt during The Gers' 1-0 win over Aberdeen on Sunday and was forced out of the game early in the second half.

He will be sidelined until the end of October, with Sionko disappointed he will be missing Czech Republic's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against San Marino and Republic of Ireland.

"I felt a sting on the back of my left thigh in Sunday's clash with Aberdeen, so I had to go off," Sionko told Idnes.

"I knew at that moment that it would not turn out well.

"I don't want to predict any date for my recovery because then it is always hurried and it doesn't turn out well.

"I will rely on the doctors and my own feeling. Anyway, the feeling tells me I cannot play.

"The back side of my muscle on my thigh is not torn, it is only pulled, however, I have to rest for two or three weeks.

"I really looked forward to these two qualifiers, but there is nothing that I can do about it now."

With Sionko out of the Czech squad, coach Karel Bruckner has called up Sparta Prague's Zdenek Pospech as a replacement.

Bruckner has also added Martin Abraham to his squad to take the injured Tomas Galasek's spot, although no replacement has yet been named for the sidelined Tomas Sivok.

Czech Republic play San Marino at home on Saturday before travelling to Dublin to tackle Ireland four days later.