Sweden defender Isak Hien sidelined for Poland playoff final amid mounting injury woes

Hien, who started in central defence next to captain Victor Lindelof during Thursdays 3-1 semi-final victory against Ukraine, had to leave the pitch after 37 minutes due to a thigh problem.

The Atalanta defender has been unable to take part in training sessions since then, and officials have now announced that he will miss the match against Poland and has departed from the Sweden setup.

The team has not brought in any new player to replace him. Carl Starfelt appears set to step into the starting eleven for the fixture in Solna, having substituted for the hurt Hien in Valencia last Thursday.

Over the last year or so, the 27 year old has been among the most consistent players for Blagult, including leading the team on several instances when Lindelof was unavailable. The duration of his absence from Atalanta is still unclear.

Viktor Gyokeres notched a hat trick to secure Swedens spot in the final, and under Graham Potter, the squad might require another strong showing from the Arsenal forward, given that Hien joins a lengthy injury roster this month, including Alexander Isak, Emil Holm, Dejan Kulusevski, and Emil Krafth among others.

Poland advanced past Albania in their semi final without encountering any new fitness issues.