Freak accident rules Sweden keeper out of opening match

Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson is out of his country’s opening Group B encounter with Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday after suffering a bout of concussion.

The 24-year-old Rennes custodian, who would have been in the starting line-up to face the World Cup debutants, was struck on the head by a close-range drive from former Rennes team-mate Kim Kallstrom in training on Wednesday.

Although Isaksson manage to continue training only a few minutes after suffering the blow, he felt unwell later in the evening and after being examined by medical staff it was revealed he had concussion.

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban is likely to replace Isaksson, who will have to wait for his World Cup debut.