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World Cup: Swedes concerned over injury to keeper

Frederik Ljungberg, center, holds up the ball during a Swedish practice session in Bremen, Germany, on Sunday. PHOTO: AP

Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isak-sson limped from the field during his team's first World Cup training session after falling hard onto the pitch on Sunday.

He never returned to the field, but coach Lars Lagerback said after the session that Isaksson probably would be back by yesterday.

Isaksson was examined by team doctor Anders Valentin at the training camp at a facility belonging to German team Werder Bremen.

Isaksson, who is expected to start Sweden's group B games against Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguay and England, collided with Olof Mellberg when he came out to catch a ball. Mellberg was not injured.

Isaksson was lying on the pitch surrounded by players for a few minutes and Lagerback. Finally, he got up and limped off the field.

"He landed on his buttocks after he tried to catch the ball," Lagerback said. "Anders Valentin told me it was nothing serious after the first medical examination. In the worst case, it could be some kind of small bleeding, but most probably he'll be able to practice again tomorrow."

Isaksson missed last week's 0-0 draw against Finland after hurting his knee in practice, but played the entire match on Friday when Sweden drew 1-1 with Chile in its final warm up before the World Cup.

The 24-year-old Isaksson had an outstanding qualifying campaign for Sweden, conceding just four goals in 10 games. The 1.99m goalkeeper played for Rennes in the French league the past two seasons.

Lagerback was pleased with the first training session.

"Considering that 14 played against Chile two days ago, it was OK," Lagerback said. "All players were very concentrated, just as usual. The training pitch is alright."

The practice session was open, with fans packed into the small area reserved for the public.

"It was very nice, very positive," Lagerback said.

"As I said before, I think it's going to be tight between Paraguay, England and Sweden," Lagerback said. "At least in theory I think Trinidad and Tobago is a little bit of an underdog in the group."
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