Slovakia’s Karhan out of World Cup

Slovak midfielder Miroslav Karhan announced on Saturday that he has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a recurring Achilles tendon injury.

“There’s a little tear which means I can’t take part in the tournament,” the 33-year-old said.

“I have a three week break ahead of me and the World Cup begins in two weeks. So my withdrawal is final,” added Karhan, who plays for Bundesliga club Mainz 05.

The former Wolfsburg and Besiktas player has 96 caps for Slovakia, scoring 13 goals.

Slovakia are competing in the World Cup finals for the first time and have been drawn in Group F with world champions Italy, New Zealand and Paraguay.