Sweden's injured Holm misses World Cup, Johansson called up

Sweden's World Cup hopes have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Emil Holm will be sidelined due to a muscle injury. The Swedish Football Association (SVFF) announced Saturday that Holm's absence necessitates a squad change, with Herman Johansson being called up as his replacement.

Holm, 26, who is currently on loan at Juventus from Bologna, was part of the initial squad announced on May 12. However, the injury is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks, forcing him to miss the global tournament. The SVFF confirmed that FC Dallas midfielder Johansson, 28, has joined the national team's training camp in Stockholm to fill the vacant spot.

Expressing his devastation, Holm shared his profound disappointment. "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 stated in a released statement. Sweden is scheduled to begin their Group F campaign against Tunisia on June 14, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Japan.

“

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.