[Canadian_Supporter]

"Borussia Dortmund target man Jan Koller reports that all signs are leading to the eventual conclusion that he will be ready for World Cup duty with the Czech Republic next summer."

http://www.soccer365.com/US_NEWS/Wor...9_111937.shtml

I'm sure he will do everything possible to be ready to play in the World Cup. He is a key player for the Czechs, and he would be missed if he is unable to play.

[PaulGascoigne]

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Soccer/200...382184-ap.html

That's a serious injury. Let's say he's healthy on March 1st, at least 2 months ahead of schedule. He has 3 months to work himself into great shape for the cup. Possible. But say it takes another 4 weeks past that. Is the guy really going to star for Czech 2 months after an 8 month layoff?

[socRmom3231]

Star is another thing. But as this will be his one and only WC, I would not bet against him being ready in time. As this will be the one and only WC for several other Czech players, I would not be surprised if he and the rest of the Czech "Old Guys" did star in the WC.

[Canadian_Supporter]

It will be tough for him to get back into shape, but the motiviation of playing in the WC should help (I would hope).

[socRmom3231]

There's an article on Koller in IDNES that may give an update. Can someone tell me what it says? is it good news or bad? Thanks

[czechmarc]

Originally Posted by socRmom3231

There's an article on Koller in IDNES that may give an update. Can someone tell me what it says? is it good news or bad? Thanks

i'm not very proficient at czech, but the headline says somethig to the effect of:

Koller is already running: It's going well (he says <praises.)

the first paragraph, says something to the effect:

That he's trying to run a bit and that it isn't hurting. That this good news for the national team and fans is coming from the regensburg rehabilitation center where koller has been since the operation.

hope that helps.

[Canadian_Supporter]

Thanks for the translation.

[socRmom3231]

I don't know much about the site (worldcuplatest or something like that) but they have a fairly long article, the main point of which is:
Czech Republic striker Jan Koller has surprised his team-mates by taking part in a training session with the Czech squad in Prague, doing his best to dispel any doubts about his possible participation in this summers World Cup Finals.

Koller, who had been left out of the squad due to injury, joined the Czech team ahed of their World Cup warm-up friendly, away to Turkey, on Wednesday.

The striker, sidelined since a cruciate ligament injury sustained in September, which required an operation, said doctors have been surprised by his recent recovery.

“The muscle has finally strengthened a lot, it appears promising,” the Borussia Dortmund striker said of his World Cup prospects, adding that he had already had joined in a few training sessions with fellow injured front man Vratislav Lokvenc from Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.

[Canadian_Supporter]

Koller is on track to return to Dortmund this May, according to the following article.

http://www.soccerway.com/news/2006/m...-for-world-cup

[socRmom3231]

And if my travel agent comes through, hubby and I should be on track to see him and the other in Gelsenkirchen on June 12. We just found out that we got tickets.