Juventus defender Emil Holm has suffered a muscle injury that is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks, the Swedish Football Association said.
"It is of course sad for us and for Emil who is forced to leave us at this stage. We feel for him and wish him a speedy recovery," said national coach Graham Potter in a statement.
"Sure it's tough"
At a press conference on Saturday, Sebastian Larsson, assistant coach, said that the news came as a blow to Holm.
It's clear that it's tough. He's been overloaded. It's getting to a point where it's not working and a decision needs to be made.
"We are losing a fantastic character," Larsson said.
Emil Holm wrote on Instagram that it is the hardest thing he has ever gone through as a player.
"My heart is broken"
"To be so close and on the finish line to have my legs kicked away by an injury. This hurts me so much."
Replaced by Johansson
Holm has been replaced by Herman Johansson, who is already in place for this week's two international matches against Norway and Greece. Johansson plays for club team FC Dallas, in the city where Sweden plays its final group game against Japan.
"I just ran into him in the hallway but didn't have a long conversation. I guess he was very, very happy," Larsson said.
Ahead of the upcoming matches, Graham Potter also called up Sebastian Nanasi from French club Strasbourg. Nanasi has played nine matches for the men's national team and will be a reserve for the World Cup squad.
