The Czechs will travel to Wales Thursday without the 34-year-old Nuremberg midfielder who has a stomach muscle problem, federation spokesman Lukas Tucek told the CTK agency.

Manager Karel Bruckner is not counting on making a last minute replacement, meaning the Czech squad will consist of 16 outfield players and two keepers.

Bruckner was already forced on Wednesday to call up defender Tomas Hubschman to fill in for the injured Martin Jiranek.

Going into Saturday's match, the Czechs have 13 points in their qualifying group, tied with group D leaders Germany, who have played one less game, and Ireland, who have played one more.