On September 21, 2026, Czech football manager Santi Denia replaced injured defenders David Zima and Denis Višinský with Saint-Gilloise midfielder Ondřej Kričfaluši and Mladá Boleslav forward Martin Šubert ahead of the national team’s first match under his leadership. Zima’s absence stemmed from a lingering ankle injury, while Višinský missed the squad after a league match against Plzeň. Kričfaluši, 22, and Šubert, 24, were called up as replacements, with Šubert currently leading the Czech First League in goals.
The Czech national team faced last-minute upheaval as new head coach Santi Denia adjusted his squad ahead of the first match under his tenure. Defender David Zima, 25, and attacking midfielder Denis Višinský were excluded due to injuries, with Denia opting to promote Ondřej Kričfaluši and Martin Šubert to the senior team. Zima, a Prague Slavia center-back, had been sidelined since a match against Plzeň on September 18, where he failed to recover from an ankle injury.
Injuries Force Roster Changes
Zima’s exclusion was anticipated after he failed to recover from an ankle injury sustained during a league match on September 18. The 25-year-old center-back, who plays for Prague Slavia, did not feature in the team’s 3-0 victory over Plzeň and was ruled out of the national team’s upcoming fixtures. Višinský, an offensive midfielder from Viktoria Plzeň, also missed the squad after the same league game, with sources indicating he did not meet the fitness requirements for international duty. Both players were replaced by Kričfaluši and Šubert, who were added to the squad just days before the first match.
Kričfaluši, 22, made his debut in the national team’s 21-player squad after a strong start to the season with Saint-Gilloise. The defender, who joined the Belgian club from Baník Ostrava in the summer, has established himself as a key player in the team’s defense.
New Additions and Their Roles
Kričfaluši’s versatility as a defensive midfielder and center-back made him a strategic choice for Denia, who emphasized the need for flexibility in his squad. Šubert, meanwhile, was selected to bolster the team’s attacking options, with his goal-scoring record in the domestic league making him a valuable asset. Both players were initially part of the U21 squad but were promoted to the senior team following the injuries of Zima and Višinský.
Denia’s decision to call up Kričfaluši and Šubert reflects a broader trend of integrating young talent into the national team. The coach’s focus on youth and adaptability is evident in his selection, with both players expected to play critical roles in the upcoming matches.
Unconfirmed Injuries and Future Adjustments
Denia hinted at potential further changes to the squad, as two additional Slavia players—forward Tomáš Chorý and defender Tomáš Vlček—also reported injuries after the September 18 match against Plzeň. While the extent of their injuries remains unclear, their absence could lead to additional adjustments in the national team’s lineup. The coach, who took charge of the team in 2026, has indicated a willingness to make further changes if needed, though no official statements have been made regarding their status.
The Czech national team’s upcoming schedule includes four matches in the autumn window, starting with a game against Croatia on September 24. The team will then face England and Spain, with the final match scheduled for October 6. The inclusion of Kričfaluši and Šubert is expected to provide a fresh dynamic to the squad, with their performances in the upcoming matches likely to shape the team’s strategy for the rest of the season.
What’s Next for the Czech National Team
The Czech team’s first match under Denia will take place on September 24 in Prague, where they will face Croatia in the UEFA Nations League. The game, set for the Eden Stadium, marks the beginning of a challenging schedule that includes matches against England and Spain. With Zima and Višinský ruled out, the focus will shift to Kričfaluši and Šubert, whose performances in the upcoming matches will be closely watched. The team’s ability to adapt to these changes will be a key factor in their success during the autumn window.
