Sweden defender Emil Holm will miss the World Cup after suffering a muscle injury in late May. The 26-year-old, on loan at Juventus from Bologna, was forced out of the squad as a result [1, 2].
Herman Johansson, a 28-year-old midfielder for FC Dallas, has been called up to replace Holm. Johansson joined the national team camp in Stockholm ahead of the tournament [1, 2].
Sweden head coach Graham Potter announced the original World Cup squad, including Holm, on May 12. Holm's injury and subsequent replacement by Johansson were confirmed between May 27 and May 29 [1, 2].
Holm expressed his deep disappointment over the injury. "I have fought my whole life to represent my country in a World Cup ... and to have it taken away by an injury. It hurts so much," he said [1].
Sweden will start their Group F campaign on June 14 against Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico. They will then face the Netherlands in Houston and Japan in Arlington, Texas as the group stage progresses [1, 2].
The team now moves forward with Johansson integrated into the squad as they prepare for their opening match against Tunisia on June 14.