Havlat expected back for quarterfinals

PRAGUE (AP) -- Ottawa Senators forward Martin Havlat, recovering from the flu, is expected to be fit in time to return to the world championship for the quarter-finals, should the host Czech Republic qualify, team officials said Friday.

"Martin feels much better. He doesn't have a high temperature anymore," said the team spokesman Pavel Barta.

Havlat returned home to Brno two days ago to recover but is expected to travel back to Prague in time for the quarter-finals, which begin next Wednesday.

"He should follow the team on Saturday even though he has lost five kilograms (11 pounds)," Barta said.

Havlat, 23, has yet to play a match at the championship. He began to suffer from flu-like symptoms immediately upon his arrival from Canada last Friday. He only attended one practice before doctors ordered him to rest.