Kanu (top) is a doubt for the game with Sweden (Allsport)
LJUNGBERG - NIGERIA NEED KANU
By PA Sport Staff
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Freddie Ljungberg reckons it will be a "big
minus" for Nigeria if Arsenal team-mate Kanu fails to win his battle to be fit
for Friday's Group F clash with Sweden in Kobe.
Kanu limped out of Nigeria's 1-0 opening match defeat against Argentina with a
rib injury and then hurt his left ankle in training on Tuesday.
"I haven't talked to him, so I don't know how he is," said Ljungberg, "but
if he can't play it's a big minus for Nigeria."
Nigeria spokesman Samuel Kaalu revealed that Kanu would be given until the
last minute to prove his fitness.
Ljungberg himself has been troubled by a hip injury and admitted it had
stiffened up after Sweden's 1-1 draw with England.
But the in-form Gunner, who scored seven goals in his last eight games for
Arsenal, vowed he would be "fit for the fight" in time for Friday.
Sweden's chief injury worry is skipper Patrik Andersson, who missed the
England game with a groin injury.
"I'm hungry to play but there are two days to go before the match and I can't
say now how my chances are," said the worried Barcelona defender, who only
recently made his comeback from a knee ligament injury.
Andreas Jakobsson, who impressed against England, will deputise again if
Andersson fails to make it.
Celtic striker Henrik Larsson said of the Nigerians: "They're all great
athletes and they're very good with the ball.
"They're also better organised than in the past so it's going to be a tough
game."
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