Rosicky fit for Euro 2012

Czech Republic coach Michal Bilek has revealed Tomas Rosicky will start the team’s opening match of Euro 2012 against Russia on Friday.

The creative midfielder had missed both of his side’s warm-up games against Israel and Hungary after sustaining a calf injury in Arsenal’s last English Premier League match of the season against West Brom.

Despite a replacement being called up as a precaution, he has now been declared fit for Euro 2012.

“Rosicky will play in the opening match,” Bilek told reporters. “He showed his qualities even during training.

“When he gets the ball, he is able to find space for a clever pass. He is decisive with the ball.

“Today showed how much he is looking forward to playing. I believe that he will boost the quality of our line-up.”

Czech Republic will also face Greece and co-hosts Poland in Group A.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/rosicky-fit-for-euro-2012/95879/

Pique: Villa close to return

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says team-mate David Villa could make his eagerly-awaited return in Friday’s Copa del Rey final.

The forward has been out of action since fracturing his tibia in December last year, but is hoping to prove his fitness to Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque in time for Euro 2012 by returning to action against Athletic Bilbao.

“I see that he’s doing well,” Pique told reporters on Tuesday.

“He has had a major injury, but is eager and every day is like a final for him. I can see him making the Copa final.”

The game at the Vicente Calderon is also of huge significance to Pep Guardiola, as it will be his last outing before he steps down as Barcelona coach after four successful seasons.

Pique has been in and out of Barcelona’s starting line-up recently, amid reports he has fallen out with his coach.

But the centre-back said he would be sorry to see Guardiola depart Camp Nou.

“His departure will be traumatic for me,” the former Manchester United defender said.

“I feel like I’m a better player because of him and the whole team has learned a lot from him.

“He will leave a gap, but (successor) Tito (Vilanova) will move us forward and do very well. Tito speaks the language of Barcelona.”

As for Barca’s hopes of ending Guardiola’s tenure with a 14th trophy, Pique is taking nothing for granted against an Athletic side he respects.

“With (coach Marcelo) Bielsa, Athletic press a lot and it will be a very intense game,” the 25-year-old said.

“I see no favourite. It is a 50-50 game. So, we will fight hard to take the title.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/pique-villa-close-to-return/95094/