Djurgården beat BP 2-0 in the Swedish Cup, securing advancement to the quarterfinals. The match saw concerning injury developments for the advancing side. Nino Zugelj suffered a thigh injury against BP.
The winger stopped suddenly in the middle of a run and was then substituted. According to Fotbollskanalen, Nino Zugelj described feeling something in his muscle in the front of the thigh. The exact nature and severity of his thigh injury remains unclear, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming quarterfinal.
It looks a bit like a hamstring, but I don't know.
Zugelj had a longer injury absence last year in Djurgården, and according to Fotbollskanalen, he expressed concern that this might be a recurrence, noting he was out for a few months with a similar injury in Norway. He told the outlet he hopes for the best but that it doesn't feel good currently, and he will await medical assessment. In another incident, Jacob Une was substituted after having to sit down on the pitch in the second half.
Despite this, Jacob Une is not injured, according to team reports. According to Fotbollskanalen, Jacob Une described his condition as completely fine, alleviating immediate concerns for the defender. Coach Jani Honkavaara fielded exactly the same starting lineup against BP as against IFK Skövde.
It's a fucking nightmare scenario.
According to Fotbollskanalen, Jani Honkavaara described it as a clear decision to maintain the team's flow from the previous match, seeing no reason to change despite some players performing well in training. The injury woes extend beyond this match. Arber Zeneli felt a sharp pain in his thigh during a one-on-one duel in the first half against Degerfors on Friday, according to major media reports.
Zeneli had to leave the match due to injury, though the specific cause and severity of his thigh injury are not yet confirmed. Additionally, Lucas Lagerberg was forced to leave the game injured after two shifts against Färjestad, according to multiple reports. According to Expressen Sport, Lucas Lagerberg described the situation as a nightmare scenario.
It is so irritating.
The extent of Lagerberg's injury and his expected recovery time are currently unknown. Coach Honkavaara expressed worry over Zugelj's situation. According to Expressen Sport, Jani Honkavaara described it as looking a bit like a hamstring but stated he does not know for sure.
He told Fotbollskanalen he is a little worried and doesn't like when such things happen, hoping it is better than it looked. Zugelj himself conveyed frustration to Fotbollskanalen, saying it is irritating and happens out of nowhere when he feels good, and he is not happy but unsure what he can do. He added he does not think he will play soon but will see what doctors say, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding his return timeline.
It became a clear decision from my side. I wanted to keep all players and use our 'flow' from the last match. I could have made changes, because some players did well in training this week, but there was no reason (to change).
I don't know. I haven't talked to him. Of course I'm a little worried. I don't like when it happens but hopefully it's better than it looked. But players are always sad after such a thing so we'll see.
I felt something in my muscle. In the front of the thigh.
Yes, a little. It's just irritating. I felt so good and had no problems... now it happens out of nowhere.
I don't think so. But I don't know. I'll see what the doctors say.
It's just so irritating for me. Every time I feel good, something stupid happens.
I hope for the best. But right now it doesn't feel so good. This has happened before. I had the same injury in Norway. I just hope it's not as bad as then. I was out for a few months then. But I hope it doesn't become the same now.
It's not easy. I'm not happy. But what can I do?
It's fine. Completely fine.