Sweden´s Ibrahimovic out of France match

AFP - 19 August 2008 15:00

Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic wears a headband before the Euro 2008 group D match between Sweden and Spain at the Tivoli Neu stadium in Innsbruck, Austria, June 2008. Ibrahimovic will miss Sweden´s friendly international against France in Gothenburg midweek because of a knee injury, Swedish soccer federation spokesman Thomas Saleteg has said.

STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Striker Zoltan Ibrahimovic will miss Sweden's friendly international against France in Gothenburg midweek because of a knee injury, Swedish soccer federation spokesman Thomas Saleteg said Tuesday.

For several months, the Inter Milan player has been suffering from a condition known as "high jumper's knee," on account if its prevalence among athletes and basket-ball players. Treatment consists of ultra-sounds and muscular excercises.

The 26-year-old Swedish football wizard appeared twice during the Euro championships last June - against Greece and Spain - scoring on both occasions.

Meanwhile, Barcelona's Thierry Henry has been named captain of the France team for the match, French coach Raymond Domenech announced Tuesday.

Domenech said: "As he (Henry) is here, and Pat (Patrick Viera, injured) isn't, Thierry has all the qualities and skills to be captain, but in the future that remains to be seen."

Earlier, Arsenal's French midfielder Samir Nasri was ruled out of the friendly because of a right thigh injury.

Nasri had been called up on Monday to replace Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa who withdrew with an adductor problem.

The 21-year-old arrived for training at the French camp on Monday but only did laps of the pitch with team physiotherapists.

Nasri is suffering from spasms in his right thigh.

He will not be replaced in the French team for Wednesday's game.