Monday Jun 19 2006 10:25
Milan Baros is set to return to training on Monday but is unlikely to be fit enough to play in Czech Republic's crucial Group E clash against Italy.
The Aston Villa striker sat out the 3-0 win against USA and 2-0 defeat to Ghana because of a foot injury he picked up during a pre-World Cup warm-up match against Trinidad & Tobago.
He will only undertake light fitness work on Monday, but coach Karel Bruckner will be hoping he can step up his workload and play some part in Thursday's match, which will decide whether the highly-rated Czechs make it in to the last 16.
Fellow strikers Jan Koller and Vratislav Lokvenc will not be able to face the Azzurri because of a hamstring injury and suspension respectively, while defender Tomas Ujfalusi is also banned following his red card in the Ghana game.
Bruckner said: "We have yet to decide on the replacements but we need to bring young players in to strengthen the team.
"We worked hard against Ghana and I could not fault my players for a lack of effort.
"We lost a goal early and that damaged us. It left us facing an uphill battle. But I have to congratulate Ghana as their attacking play was extraordinary."
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