Sweden's Isak Hien ruled out for remainder of World Cup
Sweden defender Isak Hien will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a hamstring injury during the match against Japan.
Isak Hien s'est blessé face au Japon et ne rejouera plus avec la Suède durant la Coupe du monde. (Kenjiro Matsuo/Matsuo. k/aflo sport)
Sweden have been dealt a major blow ahead of their World Cup Round of 16 clash against France. Defender Isak Hien has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a severe left hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old Atalanta player, who started all three of Sweden's group stage matches, sustained the injury during the first half of Thursday's 1-1 draw with Japan. The Swedish Football Association confirmed that he will return to his club for recovery.
Head coach Graham Potter has offered his full support to the player and the team. The absence of Hien, a regular starter, complicates preparations for the knockout stage match against France scheduled for Tuesday in New York.
Reports suggest that young Tottenham player Lucas Bergvall could be called upon to fill the gap in the squad for the upcoming fixture.