Ibrahimovic 'probably' out for England game

BREMEN, June 17: Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will ''probably not play'' in their final Group B match against England on Tuesday due to a groin injury, team physician Magnus Forssblad told a news conference today.

Forssblad said tests on Ibrahimovic in Bremen yesterday showed that his groin injury was not severe but one that could worsen if he returns to action too soon and reinjured it.

''The MRI revealed a small muscle rupture,'' Forssblad said.

''But he feels much better today. We decided to do rehab today and tomorrow we will see. He probably will not play against England.'' Ibrahimovic played only 45 minutes of Thursday's 1-0 win over Paraguay. The Swedes play England on Tuesday needing a point to guarantee qualification for the second round.

But Forssblad, when pressed, said Ibrahimovic could in theory play if Tuesday's match were the final of the World Cup.

''Maybe,'' he said when asked that question. ''There are no serious risks to Zlatan to play. The only risk is that it could get worse.'' Group leaders England have already qualified for the second round after two victories but need a point against Sweden to top the table. Trinidad&Tobago, who held the Swedes to a goalless draw in their opener last Saturday, complete the group.

Reuters

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