Swedish Handball Star Linn Blohm Tears ACL, Faces Long Recovery

Swedish handball star Linn Blohm has suffered a serious injury, tearing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the first training session of 2026. The 33-year-old, who plays for the Hungarian club Györ and has represented Sweden in 199 international matches, revealed the setback via Instagram. She described the moment of injury, saying, “I felt immediately that something was wrong with my knee,” and expressed the mental challenges ahead with the announcement: "Mentally it is really tough."

This injury is anticipated to sideline Blohm for nine to twelve months, a typical recovery period for this type of knee ligament injury. Consequently, she is expected to miss crucial upcoming European Championship qualifying matches against Ukraine, Lithuania, and Serbia scheduled for this spring.

Blohm’s injury comes at a difficult time for the Swedish women’s handball team, which recently experienced a disappointing outcome at the World Championship, being eliminated in the middle round. As a seasoned veteran with experience in three Olympic Games, six European Championships, and five World Championships, Blohm’s absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s performance.

Despite the setback, Blohm remains determined, expressing her commitment to recover fully and return stronger, while continuing to support her team during her rehabilitation. Her situation underscores the physical and psychological toll elite athletes face when confronted with career-threatening injuries.

Her club and national team will now have to adjust their strategies in her absence, while fans await updates on her recovery progress. With her extensive experience and leadership, Blohm’s eventual return will be pivotal for Sweden’s handball future.