Rosa Kafaji withdrawn from Sweden squad ahead of key qualifiers against Italy and Denmark
Arsenal midfielder Rosa Kafaji has been ruled out of Sweden’s UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures due to foot injury, following consultation between club and country medical teams.
The 21-year-old has been absent from the Arsenal since after the Champions League semi-final second leg against Lyon, and her withdrawal from international duty has now been confirmed.
National team doctor Houman Ebrahimi stated, “After dialogue with the Arsenal medical team, it has been confirmed that Rosa unfortunately cannot take part in the upcoming collection due to an injury.”
Kafaji’s absence is a blow for Sweden, who face Italy away on Friday before hosting Denmark on Tuesday to close their group campaign.
Kafaji will be replaced by fellow Arsenal teammate Lina Hurtig, who returns to the international fold having previously been sidelined by injury herself shortly. Hurtig will leave the club this summer when her contract expires.
Sweden will hope Kafaji’s setback does not affect her longer-term availability, with the Euros now less than five weeks away.
Kafaji scored one WSL goal in 10 appearances this season, playing just 172 minutes in the league and Champions League.