The Czech Republic dropped Aston Villa striker Milan Baros for its first two 2008 European Championship qualifiers as the squad was released on Thursday.

Baros will sit out next month's two games because of a foot injury he worsened Wednesday while training with his English club, although Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky were both fit enough for selection.

Coach Karel Bruckner said they knew that Rosicky does not play now, but they had guaranteed that in 10 days he should be fit.

Rosicky hasn't played since his move to Arsenal because of a minor muscle injury.

The Czech Republic are without Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved, who this month announced his retirement from international soccer.

The Czechs host Wales on Sept. 2 in Teplice and play Slovakia in Bratislava on Sept. 6. Ireland, Cyprus and San Marino are the other teams in the qualifying group.

Source: Xinhua