Arsenal´s Rosicky back on pitch after 20 months

Arsenal’s Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky made his first competitive appearance after 20 months on the sidelines when he started Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against minnows San Marino.

The 28-year-old, who has scored 19 goals in 68 games for the national team, has been out of action due to injury since January 2008 and has not played for Arsenal in the Premier League since then.

Czech coach Ivan Hasek called up Rosicky to give a boost to a team that is struggling in fifth spot in Group Three, seven points behind leaders Slovakia.

“I am convinced he will be all right. It’s been five weeks since his (last) muscle injury, so there’s no risk,” Hasek told reporters on Tuesday.

“I’ve also talked to (Arsenal) manager Arsene Wenger and it’s possible that Tomas will play against Manchester City on Saturday,” he added.

Last Saturday, Rosicky watched from the stands as the Czechs drew 2-2 with neighbours Slovakia in Bratislava.

The Czechs have to win their last three qualifiers — at home to San Marino, Poland and Northern Ireland — to stand any chance of qualifying for next summer’s tournament in South Africa.

Rosicky last played for the Czech team in November 2007, when his side beat Slovakia 3-1 in Prague on the way to Euro 2008.