Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Sweden's captain, is playing with a face mask due to a broken nose. According to Fotbollskanalen, Lindelöf described the injury as occurring about one and a half weeks ago, saying it happened the day before a Europa League match against Lille when he got hit in the nose during training. According to Fotbollskanalen, Lindelöf described the mask as a little special but said he has gotten used to it, adding that his nose looks completely okay now with bruises almost gone.
He emphasized the urgency of the upcoming match, stating it would mean everything and that he does not think he will get the chance to play in another World Cup, as reported by Fotbollskanalen. Sweden is playing a World Cup playoff semifinal against Ukraine on Thursday, with the match being held on neutral ground in Valencia. The playoff final will be played at home on Tuesday.
It was about one and a half weeks ago. The day before the Europa League match against Lille, I got hit in the nose during training.
Sweden secured a World Cup spot against Italy in 2017, and according to Fotbollskanalen, Lindelöf described that success as relying on fantastic defending and clean sheets. However, Sweden missed the World Cup in 2022 due to a loss against Poland, with Lindelöf noting, according to Fotbollskanalen, that the team was a bit sloppy in that match. Key unknowns include who hit Lindelöf in the nose during training, the exact medical prognosis for his injury, how the face mask will affect his performance, the current form and injury status of the Ukrainian team, and Sweden's specific tactical plans for the playoff.
It would mean everything. I don't think I will get the chance to play in another World Cup, I am very much looking forward to the match.
A little special but I have gotten used to it.
It is a little special, of course. But it has been almost one and a half weeks with the mask. It works. I have gotten used to it.
It was the day before the match against Lille in the Europa League away. During training, I got hit in the nose.
It looks completely okay now. It has settled and all bruises are almost gone. It feels good.
It is difficult to point to one specific thing. Against Italy, we defended ourselves completely fantastically well and managed to keep a clean sheet in two matches. We fought for our lives to get to the European Championship.
Against Poland, we were a bit sloppy as I remember it. But it is difficult to say exactly what decides. But you must have a strong foundation, know what you want to do, and be psychologically ready.