Patrik Schick Opens Door To Czech Republic Return

Patrik Schick may not be finished with international football after all.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker has opened the door to playing for the Czech Republic again, suggesting that his decision to step away from the national team does not necessarily have to be permanent.

Schick told inFotbal.

It is a significant change in tone from the 30-year-old.

Schick announced after the World Cup that he was taking an indefinite break from the Czech national team, explaining that persistent physical problems and the demands of club football had influenced his decision.

There was no fixed date for a return. Now, for the first time since stepping away, Schick has publicly left one possible.

Health Comes First

The most important part of Schick's answer is the condition attached to it. He needs to be healthy.

That has been a recurring theme throughout his career. Schick has rarely had problems scoring when available, but injuries have repeatedly interrupted his rhythm for both Leverkusen and the Czech Republic.

His decision to step away therefore gave him something he has not always had: international breaks in which his body could recover rather than immediately being exposed to another two matches.

Leverkusen have been the beneficiaries.

Schick has started the Bundesliga season with four goals in four matches, scoring in every league appearance so far.

His latest came in the 2-0 victory over RB Leipzig before the international break, continuing a start that has again underlined his importance to Carles Martínez.

Czech Republic Have Never Really Replaced Him

That is what makes his latest comments particularly interesting for the national team.

A fit Schick remains one of the Czech Republic's most proven attacking players.

His international record already includes some of the biggest moments of his career, most notably his five goals at Euro 2020, where he finished level with Cristiano Ronaldo in the tournament scoring charts.

Walking away from that was never a small decision. Neither would returning.

Schick's comments do not mean a comeback is imminent, and there is an important difference between leaving the possibility open and committing to another international window.

But the door that appeared closed a few weeks ago is no longer shut.

Leverkusen Will Be Watching Closely

From Bayer's perspective, there is an obvious balance.

A rested Schick is valuable, particularly during a season in which Leverkusen are competing across three competitions and are about to enter their most congested run of the autumn.

At the same time, a return to the Czech Republic would say something about where Schick believes his body is again.

That remains the determining factor.

For now, Leverkusen have a healthy Schick scoring every week.

If that continues, the Czech Republic may eventually get him back as well.