Published: Friday, 10th October, 2008 10:00
Marek cautious over injury
By Anthony Smith
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Setback: Czech ace Marek Matejovsky was forced to postpone his comeback after suffering a fresh injury.
MAREK Matejovsky’s comeback has been put on hold because the Reading midfielder does not want to risk a fresh setback.
The Czech Republic international injured his ankle two months ago in the goalless draw at Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.
It was the same ankle he twisted playing for his country against Turkey at Euro 2008, an injury that took six weeks to heal.
Matejovsky, 26, was set to put all that behind him and make a long-awaited return for Reading reserves against Plymouth reserves on Wednesday, a match that finished 3-3.
But he picked up a fresh thigh injury in training recently and was forced to withdraw from Nigel Gibbs’ squad as a precaution.
“The injury is much better because I can train with the team now,” explained Matejovsky. “But I’ve a had a little problem with my thigh.
“I felt it when I was kicking with my left foot because I had gone seven weeks without doing that. When I want a strong kick, I feel it. Monday was the first time I trained without any pain.
“After my first injury I made a quick comeback. Then I picked up this second injury, so this time I want to be careful. I will probably be back after the international break.”
Matejovsky has also withdrawn from the Czech squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers. The Czechs, who could only manage a 0-0 draw with Northern Ireland in their opening game, travel to group leaders Poland this Saturday, then host Slovenia next Wednesday.
And Matejovsky added: “I was in the Czech team but I’m not fit. We need more points as we could only draw our first game against Northern Ireland.
“But Tomas Rosicky is injured, me also, and now Jan Polak from Anderlecht, so that’s three injured central midfielders. But we need to win.”
Matejovsky’s comeback is now likely to be put on hold until next Wednesday when Royals reserves take on Brighton reserves.
But even if he comes through that, he is unlikely to win a place back in Steve Coppell’s Championship side which travels to Preston North End on Saturday week.
“I hope I will be okay for the Preston game,” explained the £1.2 million signing. “But we’ve had some good results recently and I don’t know if I will play. Anyway, I think I need to train a bit longer.
“It’s been a difficult time but I’m happy because I’m back on the pitch.  Now all I want to do is play.”
Meanwhile, James Harper played the full 90 minutes for Royals reserves after recovering from an ankle injury.
Steve Coppell's side have won their last three Championship matches in Harper's absence and he faces a fight to regain his place in starting XI.
David Mooney, Nicholas Bignall and Kelvin Bossman all found the net at the Madejski Stadium.
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