In the 1994 World Cup semi-final against Brazil, striker Martin Dahlin suffered a calf problem. After the 0–1 loss, he got into a controversy with Klas Ingesson and Tomas Brolin, who angrily questioned why he had not been substituted before the 67th minute.
And then, of course, there is the opposite: players who have been pressured to play even though they shouldn't.
Even more common: the player who has a twinge before that friendly match the club absolutely wants him to skip.
All 26 players in the squad want nothing more than playing time in the World Cup.
“More or less willing”
Is there anyone who should not be involved due to injury or illness? It is up to national team doctor Jonas Werner and his staff to decide and, if necessary, reveal. In the vast majority of cases, the player is honest.
But sometimes they are more or less willing to share how much trouble they are having. In that case, it is important to find objective measures that reveal how things actually are, says Werner.
He has close contact with Graham Potter. The national coach is provided with weekly reports before squad selections. During the World Cup, Potter is given daily updates.
Werner is working under his third national coach. He praises all of them, Janne Andersson, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Potter.
They have been absolutely superb toward the medical team. They are good at communicating, interested, and full of respect for opinions and decisions.
But sometimes medicine is pitted against sports.
The players just want to play and be selected. Especially maybe during a match or during a break, when you're full of adrenaline, even though your ankle hurts like hell.
Gabriel Gudmundsson confirms that as a player, it is acceptable to play through pain.
It's a delicate matter. Of course, you play many games where you have had pain and problems. But you know your body so well that if it doesn't work out, you say so. You're putting the team in a mess if you can't play. But I think we're all quite experienced about what we can and can't do.
Player health is most important
There have been occasions when Jonas Werner has had to point out that a player should not play.
Or above all, I have provided evidence and said that this will not work.
Who has the final say, you or the national team coach?
If I say that this is dangerous for the player's health, then it must be true. As much as I want the best players to be available for Sweden, it is my responsibility as a doctor to look after the player's health in each specific case.
