Swedish National Team Faces Growing Injury List Ahead of Key World Cup Qualifiers

As the Swedish national football team gears up for the 2025 World Cup qualifiers, they are confronted with a troubling wave of injuries and player absences. Head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson faces significant challenges as key team members, including defender Carl Starfelt and forward Dejan Kulusevski, have been ruled out due to injuries.

Carl Starfelt, currently with Celta Vigo, is expected to miss three to four weeks after sustaining a leg injury. This setback means Starfelt will not be available for the team's training camp beginning on September 1 and the crucial matches against Slovenia on September 5 and Kosovo on September 8. Starfelt has been a mainstay under Tomasson, having made 14 international appearances.

In addition to Starfelt, Tottenham's Dejan Kulusevski will also be sidelined with his own injury issues, leaving the Swedish attack increasingly thin. Furthermore, the situation is further hindered by the absence of Alexander Isak, who is on strike with Newcastle United and unable to support the national team at this critical juncture. Victor Nilsson Lindelöf is also currently without a club after his contract with Manchester United expired, which adds to the team's woes as they prepare for these vital qualifiers.

The absences of these key players put immense pressure on Tomasson as he attempts to assemble a competitive squad for Sweden's upcoming competitive matches in the World Cup qualifier campaign. With a limited time to address these challenges, the coach must rely on available players who can step up in the absence of their more established teammates. The team’s performance in the upcoming matches will be closely scrutinized as they seek to secure their position in the World Cup.