The Czech Republic’s slim hopes of defeating Argentina in their Davis Cup quarterfinal this weekend have taken a further battering with news that top player, Radek Stepanek, will miss the clash due to an injury.

Stepanek had originally been selected to play form Argentinean youngster Juan Martin de Potro in a crucial singles match, but was forced to withdraw from the match after suffering a knee injury. Ivo Minar will take over his duties for the match.

“Radek has been having knee problems the whole week,” team captain Jaroslav Navratil told Sky Sports. “We decided that he would not play on Friday because there would be too much burden.”

The Czech team is hopeful that Stepanek will recover in time to take part in the doubles match on Saturday, where he would play alongside Lukas Dlouhy. Stepanek may also make an appearance in the final singles match of the quarterfinal if fitness permits.

Meanwhile Russia’s Marat Safin has learnt that he will not be playing any singles matches when Russia take on Israel in their Davis Cup quarterfinal. The former world number one will instead play in Saturday’s doubles fixture.

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