Tomas Rosicky won’t take part in the Czech Republic’s last two World Cup qualification games after Arsenal expressed concern that the player could exacerbate the muscle problem from which he has only just recovered.

The 33-year-old midfielder injured his calf against Italy during the last international break but despite overcoming the problem to play for the Gunners against Napoli and West Brom in the last week has heeded the advice of Arsene Wenger’s medical team and won’t play against Malta or Bulgaria.

The Czech Republic coach, Vladimir Smicer, appears to have accepted the decision knowing his side have only an outside chance of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup following a disastrous campaign which recently included defeat against Armenia.

Rosicky will join the likes of Mathieu Flamini, Mikel Arteta and Kieran Gibbs at the training ground this week as they prepare for the visit of Norwich on 19 October. It’s also believed he’ll spend some quality time alphabetising his collection of vintage vinyl and may go for a bike ride or two…