Big trouble for Czechs – Balvin will not join national team

Balvin wanted to play with national team, but the problem was with his ankle. He got injured at the beggining of April shortly after his transfer to Estudiantes and his season was over. Everything looked good during his individual workout in the USA, but even though he passed the medical check after the return to his new club Gran Canarias, his new club recommended him to rehab and not to join Czech national team.

“Club from Gran Canarias told us, Ondrej is not able to join national team now after his health test,” confirmed Czech assistant coach Lubos Barton. “Both sides communicated and cooperated well, but I feel, the club didn't do their best in order to help Ondrej to join national team. We fully respect Ondrej's decision, since we dont want to jeoperdize his health and his upcoming season” said Barton.

“I feel, my ankle is not ready for 100%. My club recommended me to stay and do treatment/exercises and not to join the national team. It was not an easy decision, i was hoping to the last moment to play. At the end I have to respect club's recommendation. Next season is important for me and I would like to start with my new club on the good note,” sent Balvin message to the Czech national team.

“It’s another big lost for our national team. Ondrej supposed to have big role in our team. He tried to do the best to come. I tell straight - we didn’t get possitive cooperation from Gran Canaria. I just feel about its. Rest of players have now to replace him, because we lost to many big men in this campaign,” said national team coach Ronen Ginzburg.