Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has been given permission to withdraw from the Czech Republic squad in order to preserve his fitness.
The 32-year-old recently returned to action following a spell on the sidelines with a thigh injury.
He has now been excused from international duty amid fears from Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he could aggravate the problem.
The Czechs, who have little chance of reaching the 2014 World Cup finals, travel to Malta for their penultimate qualifier on Friday.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
