Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to be fit for Sweden's game with Russia, although Niclas Alexandersson remains doubtful.
But Alexandersson struggling to recover from a leg strain
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to be fit for Sweden's game with Russia, although Niclas Alexandersson remains doubtful.
Star striker Ibrahimovic only played the first half of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Spain as he battles against a nagging knee injury.
The problem raised question marks about his availability for Wednesday's Group D showdown with Russia in Innsbruck.
Though he has been training away from his team-mates, Ibrahimovic's injury has not worsened, according to Sweden coach Lars Lagerback.
"For Zlatan it's more or less similar as after the previous two games," said Lagerback.
Regarding Alexandersson's chances of returning against Russia, Lagerback doubted whether the full-back will shake off a leg strain in time.
He added: "As for Alexandersson, we're not completely sure.
"He's going to give it a go at training this evening to try himself out, but I think there are some question marks as he has not performed at maximum training so far."
Mentally strong
Meanwhile, Lagerback is hoping experience will be a decisive factor against Russia, with Sweden needing a point to join Spain in the quarter-finals.
"Absolutely the most important thing for a match like this is to be 100 per cent prepared for all eventualities," continued Lagerback.
"We are 100 per cent sure of what substitutions and changes we want to make under different scenarios.
"That is the single most important thing I've learned from playing similar, do-or-die types of matches.
"The fact many of our players have experienced these situations before, also has a certain importance. You have to be able to handle it mentally.
"Our players have proved they're very strong in that department. Not least the way we've come back in the late stages of matches."
