Ibrahimovic to miss Sweden qualifier

Published Jun. 1, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Sweden coach Erik Hamren says striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss the European Championship qualifier against Moldova on Friday due to a foot injury.

Hamren told reporters Wednesday that Ibrahimovic's tendon problems in his right foot seem worse than expected and that ''there is a risk for a backlash'' if he takes part in Friday's game.

The AC Milan player has been bothered by the injury since the last rounds of the Italian league season.

Hamren says Ibrahimovic will stay home to rehabilitate the injury, and still hopes to have the striker available for the home game against Finland next week.

Hamren says ''we're putting all efforts into getting him ready to play on Tuesday instead.''