The Swede misses the upcoming World Cup qualifiers
STOCKHOLM – AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been excluded from Sweden’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Kosovo and Greece and will be replaced by Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish Football Association (SvFF) said in a statement on Saturday.
Troop change
❌ @Ibra_official leaves rebids and misses the men’s October gathering✅ Viktor Gyökeres from Coventry City is called in instead
– Swedish Football (@svenskfotboll) October 2, 2021
Ibrahimovic, who turns 40 on Sunday, suffered a knee injury when he played for Milan against Juventus in May, which caused him to miss Euro 2020, and he has only made a series appearance so far this season.
“Unfortunately, Zlatan is not far enough in his rehabilitation for him to join us in the upcoming meeting. Sad for us, and sad for Zlatan of course,” says Sweden’s coach Janne Andersson.
Sweden’s best goal scorer to date will be replaced by the 23-year-old Gyokeres, who has made nine appearances in 11 appearances for Coventry City in England’s second division championship.
Sweden is currently second in Group B on nine points after four matches, four behind leaders Spain, who have played six matches, and three ahead of Greece.
(Reporting by Philip O’Connor Editing by Christian Radnedge)