The Swedish national team suffered a significant setback ahead of their Round of 16 World Cup clash against France, as defender Isak Hien has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Japan. Despite the setback, Sweden advanced to the knockout stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams, but now they face France without one of their key defensive players.
On Friday, the Swedish Football Association confirmed that Hien will no longer participate in the competition after medical examinations revealed the severity of his condition.
National team doctor Jonas Werner explained, “Isak suffered an injury to his left hamstring tendon that is serious enough to prevent him from continuing in the World Cup. He will return to his club, and this injury means he will be sidelined from football for some time.”
This development is a major blow for Sweden’s coach Graham Potter, who had relied heavily on Hien’s defensive qualities during the group stage. With a place in the Round of 16 at stake against France, Potter will now have to reorganize his backline.
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