Adam Karabec has left the Czech national team ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Spain and England due to an ankle injury, according to reports. The 23-year-old Sparta Prague captain sustained the injury during a 2-0 defeat to England, forcing an early substitution before halftime. He departed the squad on Thursday and will miss the trip to Oviedo on Friday.
Sparta Prague awaits medical evaluation after injury
Karabec’s absence leaves head coach Santi Denia short-handed for the matches in Oviedo and London. The injury occurred near the sideline following a challenge with England’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. He was replaced by Ondřej Lingr. Sparta Prague officials stated that initial assessments point to a serious problem, with further medical evaluations scheduled upon the player’s return to the club. The captain has since been seen using crutches while supporting his teammates on the bench during a match with Jihlava.
Sparta Prague Squad Adjustments
Sparta now faces multiple roster challenges following the international break. In addition to Karabec’s uncertain timeline, left-back Matěj Ryneš remains sidelined with ligament damage in his ankle sustained during a national team training session, according to Seznam. Ryneš is expected to be out for several weeks, which is a difficult situation for the club as he is a regular on the left side of the formation. Coach Priske’s staff is evaluating replacements, including winger Grimaldo, versatile midfielder Santiago Eneme, and returning youth product Patrik Vydra, ahead of their upcoming league fixture against Pardubice. Grimaldo, who played on the wing in the second half of a recent match, provided an assist for forward Jonatan Brunese. Assistant coach Babalola noted that Grimaldo is an option for the season because he can play on the right, left, or as a number ten. Vydra, returning from a long-term injury, scored the winning goal eight minutes before the end of a game against a second-division side. Sparta may also shift to three central midfielders, utilizing Romana Macka and Hugo Sochůrka.
Wider Personnel Crisis for the Czech Squad
Denia has lost eight players to injuries during this autumn international window. Alongside Karabec and Ryneš, the Czech roster has missed Slavia Prague defenders David Zima, Tomáš Vlček, and David Jurásek, midfielder Lukáš Provod, forward Tomáš Chorý, and Viktoria Plzeň midfielder Denis Višinský. Defender Vladimír Coufal missed the England match with physical ailments, while captain Ladislav Krejčí sat out the opening fixture against Croatia. The Czechs also faced the England match shorthanded following the sending-off of Pavel Šulce.
Adam Karabec sustains ankle injury against England
When did Adam Karabec get injured?
Karabec injured his ankle in the closing moments of the first half during the Czech Republic’s home match against England on Tuesday.
Will the Czech team call up a replacement for Karabec?
Santi Denia has not called up a replacement for the midfielder at this time.
How many total players has Denia lost during this international window?
The Czech coaching staff has dealt with eight separate player injuries or health absences since the start of the current gathering.
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