Liam Duckstein
Sweden have been dealt a significant defensive blow after Juventus full-back Emil Holm sustained a muscle injury expected to sideline him for several weeks. The Swedish Football Association confirmed the news, ruling Holm out of this summer’s World Cup.
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Holm will leave the squad to focus on rehabilitation, ending his participation in the tournament before it begins. Herman Johansson has already arrived in Stockholm as the designated replacement in the World Cup squad.
“It is, of course, sad for us and for Emil, who is forced to leave us at this stage. We feel for him and wish him a speedy recovery.” Graham Potter, Sweden national team manager
With matches against Norway away on 1 June and Greece at home in Solna on 4 June approaching, Potter has also called up Sebastian Nanasi from Strasbourg. Nanasi, who has earned nine caps for the senior national team, will serve as a reserve for the World Cup squad and is not part of the main group replacing Holm.
Viktor Gyökeres is also absent from the upcoming fixtures, as the striker is set to feature in the Champions League final on Saturday night with Arsenal. He will join the World Cup squad at a later stage once his club obligations are fulfilled.
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