Bednar’s club and country heartbreak
Friday 26th February 2010, 11:01AM GMT.
Albion striker Roman Bednar has been ruled out for a fortnight with a groin strain – less than 24 hours after winning a recall to the Czech Republic squad.
The Baggies forward was named in the squad for Wednesday’s friendly against Scotland, completing a remarkable turnaround after his summer drugs shame.
But Bednar will not be able to play at Hampden Park after being ruled out for around two weeks with an injury that will see him miss Albion’s Hawthorns clash with Derby tomorrow.
Head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “Roman’s groin strain has been confirmed, so he will be out for at least two weeks. As soon as he told us about it we took him off because we didn’t want to make it worse.
“It’s a shame but that’s the only fresh injury, fortunately. It’s always great when you are called up by your national team. It’s one of the most satisfying things that can happen to you as a player.
“But I’m sure he will have other chances with the way he has been playing over the last couple of months. He’s put his head down and kept working hard.
“If you keep doing that, sooner or later you’ll get results.”
Bednar had been handed an international lifeline by new coaches Vladimir Smicer and Michal Bilek.
Former boss Petr Rada effectively ruled out ever selecting the 26-year-old because of a Sunday newspaper sting involving the purchase of cocaine and the player’s subsequent FA ban.
UK Sport
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