Double Sweden Blow For France World Cup Tie

STOCKHOLM, Nov 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 07th Nov, 2016 ) - Sweden were left counting the cost of a bruising weekend as key full backs Mikael Lustig and Martin Olsson were ruled out of Friday's World Cup showdown with France.

The two countries are level top of European qualifying Group A on seven points from three games ahead of the November 11th game at the Stade de France.

The Netherlands are third in the tough pool on four points ahead of their Sunday stroll in Luxembourg, and only one of the three traditional football powers will qualify directly for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Celtic right back Lustig suffered an ankle injury in their win over Inverness on Saturday while Norwich City's left back Olsson reported a thigh strain on Monday. Sweden coach Janne Andersson will also be missing striker Marcus Berg, who scored in their 1-1 home draw with the Netherlands in September.