Czech Republic head coach Karel Brückner has said that he expects long term injury victim Jan Koller may still be able to get match-fit in time to make the World Cup Finals.

Borussia Dortmund striker Koller has been out since September after tearing his knee ligaments but is confident of playing again before the end of the Bundesliga season.

Koller, who holds the all-time scoring record for his country with 40 goals in 66 appearances, surprised his team-mates by taking part in a training session with the Czech squad in Prague in late February and has since been making a good recovery.

This is a big boost for the Czech Republic who would undoubtedly miss a player whose nine goals in the Czech Republic’s 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign were crucial in their qualification for Germany 2006.

Brückner also said that three other players were still doubtful for the World Cup in Germany which kicks-off on June 9.

Ex-Liverpool and Bordeaux midfielder Vladimir Smicer, Ajax defender Zdenek Grygera and Koller’s strike-partner, Vratislav Lokvenc of Salzburg, all could miss out.

The Czech Republic have been drawn in Group F alongside Italy, the USA and Ghana’s Black Stars.

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