EM 2024: Czech Michal Sadílek not taking part after bizarre accident

Czech midfielder Michal Sadílek of FC Twente will not take part in the European Championships in Germany after a bicycle accident and a leg injury, the national team spokesman said on Sunday.

The 25-year-old took part in the last European Championship in 2021. He played 24 games for his country and scored one goal.

On Friday, Sadílek captained the team and played the full 90 minutes in a 7-1 win over Malta in a friendly match.

“Unfortunately, Sadílek fell while cycling and suffered a laceration on his leg,” said a statement from the national team spokesman.

“This is a big setback for us because Michal is one of our most experienced players,” said Czech coach Ivan Hasek. “It was not without reason that he wore the captain’s armband in the game against Malta.”

The Czech Republic will play a friendly against North Macedonia on Monday before starting the 2024 European Championship season in Group F against Portugal on June 18.