Injured Rosicky not ready to start

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek will start Tomas Rosicky on the bench for his team’s quarter-final against Portugal.

The Arsenal midfielder missed the Czechs’ last Group A game due to an Achilles tendon problem, and went to see a specialist in Prague earlier this week to undergo treatment.

Nevertheless, team manager Vladimir Smicer has revealed that the attacking midfielder is not fit enough to start against Portugal.

“Rosicky is not going to be in the starting line-up, but will be ready to come to play from the bench if it is necessary,” Smicer said on Czech television.

The absence of Rosicky means that Daniel Kolar is likely to get the nod again in midfield in Thursday’s encounter.