Ljungberg rated highly doubtful for Iceland clash

ARSENAL midfielder Freddie Ljungberg will have tests later today to determine the extent of the calf injury he picked up during Sweden’s 2-0 win over Spain.

Sweden skipper Ljungberg, 29, was forced off in the second half of his side’s Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.

He is “highly doubtful” to face Iceland on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Swedish Football Association.

If the tests show Ljungberg cannot play, he will return to England to be treated by Arsenal’s medical team.

The Gunners will be hoping he recovers in time to feature in their next Premiership game, which is against Watford at home on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate is undergoing treatment after picking up an injury in training.

The 26-year-old, currently on loan at his hometown club from Real Madrid, is understood to have been under the care of the club’s medics for the past couple of days.

Boro were not commenting on the situation yesterday amid reports Woodgate will be sidelined for up to three weeks by a groin problem.

However, it is understood the injury could involve his thigh.

The Middlesbrough-born England international has been plagued by fitness problems for the past three years.

He joined Real in a £13.4 million (e19.9m) move from Newcastle in August 2004 as he continued his recovery from a torn thigh muscle which proved to be more problematical than was first thought.

Indeed, he managed only 14 matches for the Spanish side in two seasons because of injuries and was allowed to join Boro on loan by new manager Fabio Capello in a bid to prove his fitness.

Such has been Woodgate’s form for Boro — he was outstanding in his debut as the Teessiders grabbed a 1-1 Barclays Premiership draw at Arsenal and has barely put a foot wrong since — England boss Steve McClaren admitted he only just missed out on an international recall for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Macedonia and Croatia.

Manager Gareth Southgate, who will not release Woodgate for international duty until he is convinced he can cope with two games in a week, will hope his latest injury is only a minor one.

The defender worked all summer to regain full fitness and has a tailor-made exercise regime designed to protect him from the kind of strains and tears which have affected him in the past.

Ironically, if he is sidelined for some time, he could miss the derby visit of former club Newcastle to the Riverside Stadium on October 22.

The Magpies considered a loan move for the player during the transfer window but manager Glenn Roeder was concerned about his fitness record.