Freddie Ljungberg works his foot through its paces

So Freddie Ljungberg is continuing his rehabilitation. Reports have been emerging during the day here in Stockholm that Ljungberg and his knickers have been training that infamous injured right foot at a gym in Stockholm.

Yesterday Ljungberg was the only member of Sweden’s World Cup side to miss training causing a wave of speculation to emerge regarding the seriousness of his injury.

Coach Lars “aka Lasse” Lagerbäck quelled everyone’s fears though with an upbeat: “I hope that [Ljungberg] will return to routine training at the end of this week.”

The 29-year-old revealed last week his battle against injury includes having blood drained from his foot after every match. Can’t help what other rituals he tries. Waving his Calvin Kleins above his head, perhaps?

Seriously, it’s good to hear Freddie is doing some gym work. No point rushing him back into full training and seeing him breakdown again. Freddie’s fitness is paramount to Sweden’s chances, I am sure.

With so many internationals who play their football in England injured ahead of the World Cup it makes you wonder if they couldn’t do with a few more breaks during the season. What good’s the festival of football if there’s no Owen, Rooney, Ljungberg, etc?