Intro:

Czech Republic will wait on the fitness of Milan Baros before naming their side to play Russia in their opening game of Euro 2012 on Friday (8 June).

Script:

The Czech Republic's preparations for their Euro 2012 opener against Russia on Friday (June 8th) have hit a slight stumbling block.

An injury could force one of their most experienced players out of the tie, as manager Michal Bilek explains.

SOUNDBITE: (Czech) Michal Bilek, Czech Republic Coach:

"Our main injury concern is to Milan Baros who is doubtful at this time. We will let him train and see. There is a big question mark over his fitness but we will wait and see."

Also in Group A alongside the Czechs and Russians are co-hosts Poland and 2004 Champions Greece.

Bilek thinks to make it to the knock-out stages would be a success.

SOUNDBITE: (Czech) Michal Bilek, Czech Republic Coach:

"I think our group is very balanced and that we are not the weakest team in it at all. We have a good team and we will see what happens tomorrow. To get through the group would be a success for us, I think."

Bilek's side will benefit from playing all three group matches in the Polish city of Wroclaw, not far from the Czech border.