Yesterday’s Euro 2012 action conjured up some perhaps resurected news when it came to Arsenal players.
The born-again Tomas Rosicky is now injured once more, and the forgotten Andrey Arshavin was left disappointed by his display on the pitch.
Here are the stories:
Czech Republic manager Michal Bilek is sweating over the fitness of team captain Tomas Rosicky.
The Arsenal midfielder picked up an Achilles injury during Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Greece and is now a worry ahead of their final group match with Poland on Saturday.
Czech Republic were leading 2-0 when the 31-year-old came off at half time, and Bilek is hoping to have his skipper available for the crucial final day of Group A matches.
“We will see on Wednesday what the extent of the problem is,” Bilek said.
“He’s important. We missed him in the second half as he’s a key player.”
Czech Republic need to defeat Poland in their final Group A match on Saturday to qualify by right but can also qualify if they draw against the co-hosts and Russia win or draw.
Russia captain Andrey Arshavin was left frustrated by his side’s defensive lapses as they surrendered the lead to draw 1-1 with co-hosts Poland.
The Russian’s went in front after 37 minutes, when Alan Dzagoev headed in Arshavin’s curling free-kick. The lead lasted until the 57th minute when Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski equalised with a thunderous left-foot shot.
Russia still look good value for money to progress to the quarter-finals, but Arshavin in unhappy not to have won.
“We started well and took the lead,” said the 31-year-old Arsenal midfielder.
“But, after the break, we played too loosely allowing Poland to reply on dangerous counter-attacks.
“We were a little bit tired and not able to apply the pressure we wanted.”
Russia need at least a point from their final game against Greece to qualify as of right but will still qualify if they lose so long as the Czech Republic draw with Poland.
Matt Cotton
@FindingCotton
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