Czech Republic midfielder Michal Sadilek will be absent from Euro 2024 due to a shin injury sustained in a cycling accident in Austria, as announced by the national team on Monday. The 25-year-old, who plays for Twente Enschede, was injured during the Czech national team's training camp in the mountain resort of Schladming on Saturday. National team spokesman Petr Sedivy stated on the Czech FA's website, 'Michal Sadilek had an unfortunate crash during a bicycle ride and suffered a lacerated wound on his shin.' However, the Sport daily reported that Sadilek fell while riding a tricycle downhill in Schladming, a location known for hosting an annual Alpine skiing World Cup event. It was reported that Sadilek, along with Sparta Prague defender Ladislav Krejci and Hoffenheim defender David Jurasek, had rented tricycles to descend from the Planai mountain. Sadilek reportedly hit a hole, resulting in a crash and immediate summoning of an ambulance, with the injury requiring 65 stitches. The Czech team had a day off on Saturday, following a 7-1 victory over Malta in a pre-Euro friendly. Sedivy did not confirm the tricycle accident but apologized for initially misleading the media about the nature of the crash. He acknowledged, 'It was a mistake that the national team did not provide complete information.' Sedivy also clarified that the accident occurred during the player's free time and did not breach any team rules or internal agreements. Coach Ivan Hasek has not yet decided on a replacement for Sadilek, who has scored one goal in 24 international appearances. The Czechs are scheduled to play against North Macedonia in their final pre-Euro friendly in Hradec Kralove later on Monday. Their Euro campaign begins against Portugal on June 18, followed by matches against Georgia and Turkey.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
Czech Midfielder Suffers Shin Injury in Tricycle Accident During National Team Training Camp