Larsson to miss World Cup qualifier

Sweden captain Henrik Larsson has strained his right thigh muscle and will miss Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Stockholm, the Swedish Football Association said Tuesday.

“It often takes a few weeks for such injuries to heal, so I don't think even a miracle could save Saturday's game” for Larsson, national team doctor Anders Valentin said in a statement.

Coach Lars Lagerbaeck said he was disappointed that Larsson would not be able to play.

“(Larsson) is an important player on and off the field, a leader, and we don't really have any other forward that has the same capabilities he has,” he said in the statement.