Veteran Slovakia midfielder Karhan to miss World Cup with Achilles’ tendon injury

Slovakia’s Karhan to miss World Cup

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — Veteran Slovakia midfielder Miroslav Karhan will miss the World Cup with an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Karhan and team physician Ladislav Pavlovic said at least three weeks are needed to recover, making it impossible for him to be ready when the tournament begins in South Africa on June 11.

The 33-year-old Mainz player scored 13 goals in 96 matches for his country.

Slovakia qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

The team will open on June 15 against New Zealand before facing Paraguay and defending champion Italy in Group F.