Patrik Andersson could miss out again (Allsport).

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Sweden co-coach Lars Lagerback insists his side could still progress from the 'Group of Death' even if they lost against Nigeria.

The Swedes opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against England, and face the Africans in Kobe on Friday before closing Group F against Argentina, who Lagerback rates as the best of the trio.

But the 53-year-old coach, who has a joint role with Tommy Soderberg, said: "Each game is important and we want to beat Nigeria, but I don't accept that we have to beat Nigeria or our chances are over.

"We could draw or even lose and we can still go through because this group is so close."

And Lagerback believes his side of "exceptional" players are quite capable of beating Argentina, one of the tournament favourites, if they have to in their final game.

"We don't fear any opponent, so even though we will respect Argentina - and I think they are the best side in the group - we would not worry about the result," he said.

"This group of players we have is exceptional. They have shown before how well they are at coping with different situations, and they can beat anyone on their day."

Lagerback will be hoping his side can get out of the blocks quicker than against England where they were outplayed in the first half before battling back to earn a point.

"The most important thing is that we are prepared perfectly and that we start well," he said.

He will be hoping Sven-Goran Eriksson's men can beat Argentina, who won their opener against Nigeria, later in the day to leave both qualification places still up for grabs heading into the final round of group matches.

Sweden captain Patrik Andersson, however, is doubtful despite training with the rest of the squad in the Kobe Wing Stadium on Thursday.

The Barcelona centre-back missed the match against England with a groin injury, and Lagerback revealed, although they were due to make a decision on his fitness on Thursday evening, the result will not be announced.

Better news for the Swedes is that Freddie Ljungberg (hip) and Olof Mellberg (ankle) both recovered from minor knocks and will start. Nigeria, meanwhile, have their own injury problems with Arsenal striker Kanu struggling with a stomach problem.

Lagerback realises it would be a big blow for the Super Eagles if the two-time African footballer of the year was sidelined.

"He is a very important and talented player for Nigeria," said Lagerback. "They would miss him, but they do have other players with great individual skill who can come in."