Skip to content

Sweden fighting fit

Image: Johan Elmander: Expected to start against Ukraine in Sweden's Group D opener on Monday

Sweden forward Johan Elmander has recovered from injury meaning coach Erik Hamren has a full squad to choose from against Ukraine.

Sweden have no injury worries ahead of Ukraine clash

Sweden forward Johan Elmander has recovered from injury meaning coach Erik Hamren has a full squad to choose from for the clash with Ukraine on Monday. Elmander was able to play a full part in training on Saturday despite suffering a fractured foot playing for Galatasaray in the final week of the Turkish season. Hamren now has a tough decision to make about which midfielder to leave out ahead of the Group D clash with co-hosts Ukraine. Kim Kallstrom, Anders Svensson and Pontus Wernbloom will probably battle it out for the central midfield positions, although Rasmus Elm can also play that role. Wernbloom appears resigned to starting on the bench but he told reporters the team's fortunes must come first.

Competition

"It's good there's competition for the sake of the team," Wernbloom said. "But if you don't get to play, you're always disappointed. That's how it is." Should Elm play on the left, Sebastian Larsson will most likely fill the right midfield slot, although Hamren could ask them to switch. Larsson says he is not taking his position for granted and would be happy to play anywhere. "Obviously, I'm more used to playing on the right. If I play on the left it's easier to come into the middle and have a few shots of my own. He added: "As long as you get to play, you're happy."

Around Sky