Czech Republic boss Josef Pesice has excused Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky from his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The Czechs take on Malta in Ta' Qali on Friday before heading to Sofai to meet Bulgaria four days later but will be without captain Rosicky who has been left out in a bid to protect an injury he picked up on international duty in September.
"Arsenal have asked us to excuse Rosicky for health reasons. We have called up Borek Dockal," Pesice told the press.
National team director Vladimir Smicer added: "Tomas wasn't completely fit after the [West Brom] game. Arsene Wenger got in touch with me and we agreed not to take Tomas to the qualifiers."
