The young midfielder Marek Icha, winger Srdjan Plavšič and long-term captain Jan Bořil and another defender David Hovorka are not on the roster. The hosts can make two more changes no later than 24 hours before the opening match of the doubleheader.
The people of Prague are suffering from extensive blight. In addition to Ewerton, defender Oscar Dorley, forward Václav Jurečka, offensive all-rounder Yira Sor and midfielder Lukáš Provod missed Sunday’s league match in Jablonec due to health reasons. The last two named were missing in several previous matches.
After the duel in the north of Bohemia, where the Vršovičs won 3:2, the Slavist frenzy grew even more. At halftime, offensive players Moses Usor and Ivan Schranz had to alternate due to health reasons, defender Taras Kačaraba limped off the pitch in the 59th minute, and even midfielder Petr Ševčík did not finish the game.
“If it were to be played today, those players probably won’t play. But they are traveling with us and the decision will be made before the match. Let’s hope they get together. Physiotherapists, masseurs and doctors are doing their best. We are trying to get the boys together and we believe that they will be ready for the match,” Slavia’s assistant coach Zdeněk Houštecký told club television.
In the battle between the reigning vice-champions of their respective countries, the people of Prague will face a team that has not conceded in four matches of the previous two preliminary rounds. The Czech captain of the České Budějovice defender Tomáš Petrášek is injured and absent from the roster for the 4th preliminary round, just like in the previous part of the qualification.
“We have already seen the opponents on many videos, we also had scouts there. We have detailed information, we consulted some things with Czech players from the Polish league. They play a lot of defense, mostly in a 5-4-1 formation. They don’t score many goals. It will a great struggle and conquest,” noted Houštecky.
The stadium in Czenstochová has a capacity of only 5,500 seats. “It’s an environment reminiscent of the Czech stands in Mladá Boleslav or Karviná. It’s always full. As we know, Poles are passionate fans, there will be a good atmosphere,” added Houštecký.
Since České Budějovice is located near the Czech border, Slavia traveled to the match by train. Thursday’s game kicks off at 6:00 p.m.
