The Sweden national team arrives in Zenica for their Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina missing five players due to a sickness wave that has hit their camp. This situation could significantly alter the dynamics of a match where Bosnia aims to take over the top spot in the group.
Striker Alexander Isak had already left the squad with a minor injury, while Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud and Patrik Walemark have fallen ill. Team doctor Jonas Werner confirmed it was a virus. "We are taking the measures that are possible to limit the further spread of infection and are monitoring the progress of those who have fallen ill," said Werner. None of the five have travelled to Bosnia.
Manager Graham Potter has called up four new players: Felix Beijmo, Samuel Dahl, Hugo Bolin and Ken Sema. Eric Smith, last part of the squad at the summer's World Cup, has also been drafted in. Another newcomer is forward Paulos Abraham, who is hoping for his Sweden debut, though he also felt symptoms. "I'm starting to feel a little sick now. It feels like it's starting to come," Abraham told a press conference.
This is a major opportunity for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team. Sweden currently leads League B4 by two points but arrives weakened. Bosnia is in excellent form, coming off a convincing 4-2 win against Romania last weekend. In that match, goals were scored by Armin Gigović, Tarik Muharemović, Haris Tabaković and Ermin Mahmić.
The match against Sweden is key for the standings. A win would put Bosnia back at the top of the group. The team's recent form shows one win and one draw in their last five games, indicating progress. The match takes place in Zenica on Tuesday, October 2nd.
The report in full is at Straits Times Sport
