Sweden arrive in Zenica with their Nations League lead under pressure and a depleted travelling party, after illness ruled out five more players for Friday’s Group B4 meeting with Bosnia.
The Scandinavian side had already lost Liverpool forward Alexander Isak, who sustained a minor injury against Romania. Now Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud and Patrik Walemark have remained behind after falling ill at the team camp.
Quick facts
- Sweden face Bosnia in Zenica on Friday in the third round of Nations League Group B4.
- Five Swedish players have been isolated with a severe cold-type virus and did not travel.
- Alexander Isak was already unavailable after picking up a minor injury against Romania.
- Sweden lead the group after two wins, with Bosnia two points behind.
- The final match of the international window is against Romania on 5 October.
Sweden’s medical staff described the outbreak as a virus resembling a strong flu or severe cold. The affected players have been confined to their rooms in an effort to prevent further cases within the squad.
“We are taking every possible measure to restrict the spread of the virus and are monitoring those affected closely,” Sweden team doctor Jonas Werner said.
The absences remove two players who had made a direct contribution to the campaign’s strong opening. Ayari and Nygren were both on the scoresheet when Sweden defeated Poland 3-1.
Graham Potter’s team have taken six points from six, following a 4-2 victory in Romania and the home win over Poland. Bosnia sit two points back, making the night in central Bosnia a direct contest for first place: a home win would send Bosnia above Sweden.
Potter may call in replacements ahead of Sweden’s final fixture of the window, against Romania on 5 October. For now, however, his side must protect top spot in Zenica without Isak and five players sidelined by illness.
