Starfelt started Sweden's playoff final against Poland. But shortly afterwards, his club, La Liga side Celta Vigo, announced that the Swede had suffered a herniated disc. Starfelt has not played a match since then, and there has been speculation in the Spanish media about whether the centre-back will be ready for the World Cup in June.
When the national team held a press conference on Friday, the 30-year-old said that it is a process, but that the signs so far have been positive.
"There has been a lot of progress in recent weeks. It feels good. I'm not in full training, but the hope is to be able to step up and be back soon," he said at the national team's press conference.
Starfelt says it was sad to miss the end of the season with Celta Vigo and admits that the thought of missing the World Cup came up many times.
There was a risk of surgery given the type of injury. But today I don't feel any pain, which is nice.
Sweden will face Norway (June 1) and Greece (June 4) in two friendly matches before the opening match on June 15.
"We'll see how it feels and take it day by day. But I'm hopeful I can play a little in the practice matches," says Starfelt.
