Sweden hit by virus: five players miss Nations League trip to Bosnia

Five Sweden players will not travel to Zenica for Friday’s Nations League game at the Bilino Polje Stadium. Yasin Ayari, Benjamin Nygren, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Elliot Stroud and Patrik Wålemark have stayed in Sweden with the virus running through Graham Potter’s squad. The federation can call up reinforcements for the fourth matchday, against Romania on 5 October.

“We are taking every possible measure to limit the spread of the infection and are closely monitoring the health of the players who have fallen ill,” team doctor Jonas Werner said.

Isak was already out

Alexander Isak, who injured a thigh against Romania (2-1), never joined this squad. The virus adds to his absence, and L’Équipe counts six players missing for the top-of-the-table game in Group D.

Group D’s summit at Bilino Polje

Sweden lead the group with six points, two wins from two against Romania (2-1) then Poland (3-1). Bosnia have four, after a goalless draw in Poland (0-0) and a 4-2 win in Romania. A Bosnia win on Friday puts them top.

The market has already repriced the absences

Sweden’s win price has drifted from 2.10 at the opening to 2.52 with Betano on Thursday afternoon. The fair probability of a Sweden win is down to 38%, against 35% for Bosnia and 27% for the draw: Sweden remain favourites, but only by a length. Team news lands before kick-off, and the full reading of the match and our pick are in the match preview. 18+. Only bet what you can afford to lose.