Liverpool goalkeeper misses out on World Cup due to knee injury
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While plenty of Liverpool players have already been called up to the World Cup, others have no doubt been braced for disappointment. Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool’s squad will be counting down the days until the World Cup, with many players eager for a mental reset after what has been a turbulent and frustrating season at Anfield.A change of scenery, fresh competition, and the chance to represent their countries on the biggest stage offers a welcome escape from the pressure that has surrounded the club in recent months.For some, however, that opportunity has cruelly slipped away.Liverpool ‘keeper Vitezslav Jaros has missed the Czech Republic’s preliminary World Cup squad due to injury.The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who spent the season on loan at Ajax, had been pushing to stake his claim for international recognition, but a knee injury suffered during his time in the Netherlands has ultimately ruled him out of contention.He suffered the injury back in February, with the Dutch giants confirming he needed surgery and would be out until the end of the season.Jaros had made 26 appearances and kept five clean sheets before the cruel blow.He featured for the Czech Republic in September, starting in a 1-1 friendly against Saudi Arabia, meaning he likely would have made the squad had he been fit.Meanwhile, the Czech Republic are preparing for a historic return to the World Cup, having qualified for the tournament for the first time since 2006.
Their campaign will begin in North America, where they face a challenging group.They are set to open the tournament against South Korea on June 12 in Guadalajara, before taking on South Africa in Atlanta on June 18. Their final group-stage fixture sees them face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on June 25.While Jaros will not be part of the squad travelling to the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the hope will be that he can use the summer to fully recover and return stronger ahead of next season.For now, though, it is a case of what might have been for one of Liverpool’s promising young talents who had a look in last season.
Czech Republic Viteslav Jaros