"Major setback"

Crash with bicycle costs footballer participation in European Championships

Michal Sadilek (right) will miss the EURO due to injury.(Bild: AP/Franc Zhurda)

A fall on his bicycle has cost the Czech Michal Sadilek his participation in the European Football Championship starting on Friday. 

The 25-year-old midfielder suffered a wound to his foot in the accident, the Czech association announced on Sunday. 

Was most recently captain
"This is a big setback for us, because Michal is one of our most experienced players," explained team boss Ivan Hasek on the loss of the 24-time international, who last led his team onto the pitch as captain.

The Czech Republic are in Group F. A tricky task awaits them in their first match on June 18 against Portugal. This will be followed by duels with Georgia (22nd) and Turkey (26th).