Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevski has made a devastating injury admission after Sweden secured qualification for the World Cup.
Despite failing to win a single of their matches during their European qualifiers campaign, Sweden defied the odds as they beat Poland 3-2 to secure for the World Cup in North America this summer.
With star players like Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Spurs' Kulusevski sidelined by injury, it was Anthony Elanga, Gustaf Lagerbielke and Viktor Lindelof who stepped up and found the back of the net in the match.
Sweden will enter the World Cup in Group F, where they will play against Tunisia, The Netherlands, and Japan, with their first match against Tunisia at 03:00 on June 15.
Advert
Thankfully, it appears likely that Isak will be back in time to feature at the World Cup, but after the match Kulusevski admitted that it may still come too soon for him to play.
Speaking to Viaplay, after the win, the 25-year-old reaffirmed his commitment to return to fitness, but admitted he faces an tough road ahead to be ready in time.
He said: "I haven't played in a year. I know what the chances are. But if there is one person on the planet who can do this, I would bet on myself. And we are not just going there to participate. Sweden will aim to be one of the best.
"As long as I live, I will do everything I can so that Sweden, when we go out and play, will not be afraid of anyone. Brazil, France, whoever they are. That's why I'm on this planet. To give faith and love to my people."
As he watched his side punch their ticket for their second World Cup of the last 16 years, he was clearly holding back the tears.
The forward has not featured for club or country since getting patella surgery in May last year, and just three weeks ago, he had another minor surgical intervention to clean up his knee.
However, Kulusevski remains adamant that the operation was needed and will actually help speed up his recovery, rather than set it back further.
Speaking in another interview, via Football London, he added: "I understand that people were worried, but it was actually for the wrong reason.
"It was really positive to undergo this small operation and be able to identify the problem. Now everything should be sorted out. Maybe because of things that won't be known because, at the end of the day, it's only God who decides and no one else."
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Sweden, Injury, Football, Alexander Isak
Ben McCrum