That’s a major blow for Sweden — Zlatan Ibrahimović missing a Euro 2016 qualifier, especially against a strong side like Russia, is not something fans or the team would’ve wanted.
His heel injury has clearly taken longer than expected to heal, with his last game dating back to September 21 vs Lyon in Ligue 1. His presence, leadership, and ability to change a game in a moment are virtually irreplaceable.
Ola Toivonen is a decent backup and has international experience, but he doesn’t bring the same aura or firepower as Zlatan. With Andreas Isaksson taking over the captain’s armband, Sweden will need to rally around their defense and midfield to compensate.
Given Sweden’s draw with Austria in their opener, this match against Russia was crucial to gain momentum in Group G. Without Ibrahimović, they’ll need a disciplined performance and perhaps a touch of luck to keep their qualification hopes on track.
