Freddie desperate to make Euros

West Ham midfielder hoping for swift recovery

By Kent Hedlundh   Last updated: 27th April 2008

west ham freddie ljungberg blackburn

Ljungberg: Racing to be fit

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Freddie Ljungberg has spoken of his determination to be fit for the start of Euro 2008 after suffering a rib injury in West Ham's 2-2 draw with Newcastle.

The midfielder had to be replaced in the 21st minute after Steven Taylor inadvertently stamped on his chest, and Alan Curbishley later revealed he had suffered a suspected cracked rib.

Ljungberg now looks set to be sidelined for three to four weeks, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season.

However, the Sweden captain is desperate to play a full part for his country in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

"I just have to play the opener," he told Expressen.

Pain

"There is no other option. I will do everything possible to play at the European Championship."

The full extent of the injury has yet to be determined but agent Claes Elefalk admits Ljungberg was in excruciating pain.

He said: "It's the fifth rib on the right side which appears to be broken according to the first X-ray.

"But it might also be a serious crack. His chest was bleeding. Fredrik has never had such pain before."