Ibrahimovic pulls out of Sweden squad ahead of WC qualifiers

Posted October 02, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic withdrew from Sweden's squad for its upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Greece, with the national team saying Saturday the veteran striker hasn't fully recovered from a knee injury.

Ibrahimovic, who turns 40 on Sunday, was called up by Sweden this week with coach Janne Andersson saying 'œI hope and believe he can be there.'ť

However, Andersson said Saturday that the AC Milan striker 'œis not so far ahead in his rehabilitation that he can be part of'ť the squad.

'œSad for us but also sad for Zlatan as well,'ť Andersson said.

Ibrahimovic missed the European Championship with a knee injury and has played just once this season for Milan, in a 2-0 win over Lazio in Serie A on Sept. 12. He scored in that game.

Sweden is in second place in Group B of European qualifying, four points behind Spain with two games in hand.

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More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring his side's seconf goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Milan and Lazio at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. (Spada/LaPresse via AP) The Associated Press

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