Defensive crisis at Elfsborg

Injuries to Martin Strömberg and Johan Sjöberg have deepened the gloom at IF Elfsborg.

Knee injuries
After a tough start to the new Allsvenskan season, coach Anders Grönhagen has been told that Strömberg is likely to miss the rest of the season with knee ligament damage while Sjöberg will be out of contention for around six weeks.

Torn ligament
The versatile Strömberg, who can play in defence and midfield, was distraught after x-rays revealed that he had torn a ligament in his right knee. "It's very disappointing, but there's not much I can do," he said.

'A spoiled year'
"I'll undergo surgery in June and after that I'll be working hard to get back as soon as possible. But this will be a spoiled year, there´s no doubt about that." Strömberg has played 95 games for Elfsborg since joining from Brämhults IK in 1998.

Sjöberg relieved
Defender Sjöberg has also suffered knee ligament damage but his injury is not as severe as his team-mate's. "Luckily the ligaments are not torn," said the 23-year-old. "Had that been the case I would probably have been out for three to four months."

'No plans'
Despite losing the two defensive players, Elfsborg are not looking to bring in defensive cover. "It's unlucky, but we do not have any plans to buy new players," said sports director Stefan Andréasson. "We'll take a look at our reserve squad and will probably allow one or two defenders to train with the first-team squad."

Third from bottom
Elfsborg currently lie third from bottom of the Allsvenskan table after four games of the season. They have won one, drawn one and lost two of their opening games.