Nedved limps off during Czech training

WESTERBURG, Germany, June 8 (Reuters) Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved limped off the training ground today, but coach Karel Brueckner played down the injury ahead of the start of the World Cup.

Nedved, the former Czech captain who returned from self-imposed exile to help the team qualify for the tournament, appeared to hurt his left knee.

''It is not an injury. This is normal, it is light,'' Brueckner said afterwards.

The 33-year-old player nursed what looked like an ice pack over his knee but was later able to jog on it.

The Czech Republic face the United States on June 12 in their first Group E match. Also in the group are Italy and Ghana.

REUTERS DH PM1811