Swedes play down Ljungberg injury scare

A groin strain forced Freddie Ljungberg to abandon a Swedish training session after only 30 minutes today but team officials …

A groin strain forced Freddie Ljungberg to abandon a Swedish training session after only 30 minutes today but team officials insisted the Arsenal midfielder would be ready for his side's opening clash with England on Sunday.

Ljungberg decided to sit out the rest of the session after feeling some pain in his groin while shooting. But Gonaf Nystegt, the information director of the Swedish FA, said that his decision to stop training was only a precautionary measure.

"He will not train tomorrow but there is no reason to think he is out of the World Cup or of the game against England. He just wants to be absolutely sure that he will be ready and we do not want to take any risks.

"The doctors do not think there is anything to worry about. The situation is under control."

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Ljungberg, who finished the season with Arsenal in blistering form, is regarded as one of Sweden's key players. Losing him would be a major blow to the country's chances of advancing from the "group of death".

Ljungberg himself told reporters that he was hopeful about his chances of being ready for England.

"I really hope and think so. But I can't really say right now. It usually takes 24 hours until you really know," he was quoted as telling Swedish media.

"I had hoped to be able to train now, there are only five days left before the match. But hopefully it won't be a big thing."

AFP