Sweden's regular team captain Kosovare Asllani must undergo cruciate ligament surgery, and Nathalie Björn, next in line, is also injured.
Therefore, Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius will most likely be given the responsibility of wearing the captain's armband when the women's team continues World Cup qualifying at home against Denmark in Gothenburg.
"A very experienced player who knows what it means to play important matches. And who is always herself on and off the field," says Sweden's national team coach Tony Gustavsson.
At the same time, there are strong indications that Rosa Kafaji, currently on loan from Arsenal to Brighton, will step into Asllani's position in the Swedish midfield.
"First of all, it's sad for her. It's incredibly sad about the injury. But I'm in good shape," says Rosa Kafaji.
I feel in good shape and ready.
Was loaned out
Rosa Kafaji was only 15 years old when she made her debut in AIK's senior team, and she really made a name for herself after moving to Häcken a few years later.
However, the move from there to Arsenal in the English league has meant a major adjustment, admits Kafaji.
Things have worked better at Brighton, and the plan is for her to return to the London club this summer.
"It was a bit tough at first. I didn't really have any expectations because it was my first time, but it was definitely an adjustment," she says.
"It was a bit difficult with playing time at Arsenal, so it took a bit longer. But I'm starting to get going now."
Four “team captains”
To replace Kosovare Asllani as team captain, Tony Gustavsson has also chosen to continue with so-called "team captains".
It's about one player per team who has a greater responsibility, currently: Jennifer Falk (goalkeeper), Elma Junttila Nelhage (defender, replacing Nathalie Björn), Julia Zigiotti Olme (midfielder) and Stina Blackstenius (striker, replacing Asllani).
The one who wears the armband in each match is the one with the most international caps. So if the four start against Denmark, it's Stina who has the armband, says Gustavsson.
