Sweden defender Erik Edman looks set to miss Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Hungary in Budapest because he is about to become a father, Swedish media reported on Monday.
"He and his girlfriend are expecting their first child and he is still in Sweden because the child is expected any day," coach Lars Lagerback was quoted as saying on the website of the daily newspaper Expressen.
Edman could still play if his girlfriend gives birth on the due date on Tuesday.
"We don't want to set a time when he has to arrive (in Budapest)," said Lagerback. "We'll wait and see."
Edman is Sweden's first-choice left wing back and played in Saturday's 3-0 home win over Bulgaria.
Sweden are second in Group Eight, one point behind leaders Croatia with three games to go.
Edman joined French club Stade Rennes last month from English Premier League Tottenham Hotspur.
Source: Reuters
06.09.2005