Midfielders cause Sweden concern

The fitness of Christian Wilhelmsson and Fredrik Ljungberg is a worry for Sweden as they look ahead to Saturday's game in Spain and potential qualification.

Close watch
With Johan Elmander, Tobias Linderoth and Niclas Alexandersson already ruled out through injury, Lars Lagerbäck has concerns over Ljungberg – the national team captain – and Wilhelmsson who are both regaining fitness after lay-offs. "We have to watch those two closely in training," he said. "There's a question mark as to whether they can play 90 minutes in a high-tempo game like the one we expect against Spain."

Uncertain lineup
The coach usually has his starting XI in mind days before a match kicks off, but admitted he has no such plan as yet. "In some positions my choice is made, but in others there are a couple of players that I might opt for to make sure that the balance is there," he said. "The injuries to Linderoth, Alexandersson and Elmander are a concern but we've got a good set of players."

Striking alternatives
Malmö FF's Daniel Andersson is tipped to replace Linderoth while Werder Bremen forward Markus Rosenberg has partnered Zlatan Ibrahimović during training in Elmander's absence. However, Lagerbäck could decide to start with veteran striker Marcus Allbäck alongside Ibrahimović. "It's about finding a balance and even though there are a number of questions marks I've got a fairly good view on my starting XI," he said.