Czech Republic defender Zdenek Pospech has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 tournament opener against co-hosts Switzerland due to illness.

The 29-year-old FC Copenhagen right-back has been hit by a virus and will definitely miss the clash with the Swiss in Basel.

Team spokesman Lukas Tucek confirmed: "Pospech has a virus, he has had a high temperature for the past two days.

"He will not be fit for Saturday's match and he will not go with the team to Basel.

"However, he will stay in the squad and we are not planning to make a change."

Better news for the Czechs comes with skipper and key defender Tomas Ujfalusi being passed fit for the curtain-raiser despite an abdominal injury.