No Ibrahimovic for Sweden

Sweden will err on the side of caution and rest captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic for their Euro 2012 qualifier against Moldova in Chisinau on Friday.

Ibrahimovic, who helped AC Milan capture their first Serie A title in seven years this season, has been plagued by tendon problems in his right foot that have not healed as expected.

The 29-year-old was forced to play with painkilling injections for much of the 2010/2011 season.

Sweden coach Erik Hamren said there would be ‘a risk for a backlash’ should Ibrahimovic play in Friday’s game.

“If Zlatan were to play on Friday, we would have wanted to see his foot better today,” Hamren said.

“That’s not the case so we’ve had a chat about it together. There’s a risk of a setback if he plays on Friday and then both qualifiers would be in danger.”

Ibrahimovic is hopeful of being fit to play in their home qualifier against neighbours Finland on Tuesday.