Kosovare Asllani Advances in Recovery as Sweden Prepares for Lithuania Playoff Clash

Kosovare Asllani is showing promising signs of recovery from her ACL injury as she trains with the Swedish women's national football team ahead of their crucial return playoff match against Lithuania. The 37-year-old, who sustained the injury in March while playing for London City Lionesses, has not competed in any games since but has been working diligently toward her comeback. Assistant coach Johanna Almgren praised Asllani's rehabilitation progress, stating, "I am incredibly impressed with her rehab."

At the team’s Bosön training session on Sunday, Asllani was seen jogging and practicing ball control, signaling her readiness to rejoin the team in full match fitness. The Swedish squad is building on their commanding 5-0 victory at home in the first leg of the playoff.

Midfielder Filippa Angeldahl, recovering from her own injury, is also set to start the return leg on Tuesday evening. The 29-year-old highlighted her dedication to helping Sweden secure World Cup qualification, noting, "I have done everything to push myself back and help Sweden to a World Cup."

Despite the strong first-leg result, assistant coach Almgren emphasized that the team must improve defensively and sharpen their set-piece execution to secure their win in the upcoming game. Should Sweden advance, they will face either Scotland or the Czech Republic in the playoff final, with the winner earning a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

The return match is scheduled for Tuesday at 19:00, with preparations intensifying as key players like Asllani and Angeldahl step up ahead of this important fixture.