Rosicky dealt another injury blow

Czech Republic captain Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of Euro 2016 after picking up a thigh injury in Friday’s draw with Croatia.

The former Arsenal midfielder was released at the end of the season after being unable to overcome a number of injury woes, but he was fit enough to start his side’s first game of the tournament against Spain.

Rosicky was unable to stop his side losing 1-0 but he impressed in a free role in the middle of the park. He started the 2-2 draw against Croatia but he was forced to remain on the pitch after all three substitutes had been used.

Scans on Saturday showed he has suffered a tear in his thigh muscle, and the 35-year-old will now miss his team’s final game of Group D against Turkey.

He will also miss the remainder of the tournament, if the Czech Republic can qualify for the knockout stages. Confirming the injury, team doctor Petr Zeman said of Rosicky: “For 100 percent he won’t be able to play any game in the next few days, definitely not against Turkey. “We think that he will not be able to play in any match in the weeks to come at this tournament.”

Rosicky insists he will stay with his team-mates in France and he admits he probably pushed himself too far against Croatia. He told www.uefa.com: “I felt that we needed to push for the three points (on Friday) so I pushed myself harder. “I didn’t have much strength left and I’ve paid for it unfortunately. Now my team-mates await a fantastic game with everything to play for against Turkey.”