Czech captain Tomas Rosicky resumes training

WROCLAW, Poland (AP) — The biggest question mark for the Czech team at the European Championship seems to be answered.

Captain Tomas Rosicky has been declared fit and resumed training Monday at the Czech base in the Polish city of Wroclaw.

Rosicky trained for more than an hour and didn't seem to have problems.

Czech team doctor Petr Krejci said Rosicky is not limited by the injury and should be available for the team's opening game against Russia on Friday.

"We wanted to test him in full training and we don't even think now that he wouldn't be able to play on Friday," Krejci said.

"He had no problems, no troubles," he said.

Rosicky injured a calf muscle in Arsenal's last Premier League match on May 13 and has not properly trained since.

For coach Michal Bilek, Rosicky's recovery was a relief.

"Today, he showed how great a player he is," Bilek said. "Everyone could see that he was eager to play after the break and with him, our game will improve," he said. "Today, Tomas felt fine."

The Czechs, who play all their group stage matches in Wroclaw, also face Greece and Poland in Group A.

Rosicky's return is a major confidence boost for the team and its chances to succeed at the tournament co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

Without the playmaker, the Czechs lost 2-1 to Hungary 2-1 on Friday in the final warm-up and his absence would be a huge blow for the team. He missed Euro 2008 because of an injury, and the Czechs subsequently collapsed in the final group stage match against Turkey and were eliminated.

"Tomas is a key player for the team," Bilek said. "All his teammates know that he's the one to make the difference."

The Czech players echoed their coach.

"Tomas is irreplaceable for us at the moment," said Petr Jiracek, an attacking midfielder who often benefits from Rosicky's passes. "He was in fantastic form (in the Premier League). That's great he's back. He's experienced and ready to take responsibility in difficult moments."

Rosicky was rewarded for his impressive recent form for Arsenal with a new contract. His creativity and technical skills will be badly needed against Russia, which beat Italy 3-0 on Friday in a friendly.

"Russia played really well," Bilek said. "They were dangerous in attack. They are a clear favorite (of the group) but we also have a team good enough to succeed."

Meanwhile, thousands of fans greeted the Czechs at their first training in Wroclaw and applauded every goal in a practice match at the Slask Wroclaw stadium.

"It was a pleasant surprise for us," Bilek said. "We're grateful for a remainder to our players that the Euros here and the first match against Russia is coming soon."