Fridolina Rolfö's Race Against Time: A Star's Struggle Before the European Championship

Fridolina Rolfö is racing against the clock ahead of the European Championship. The star is not training with the team during the camp in Åhus; instead, she is undergoing further examinations elsewhere.

"It's truly a nightmare," says national team companion Madelen Janogy.

It was during the match against Denmark at Strawberry Arena in early June that Fridolina Rolfö severely sprained her ankle and was forced to leave the game early.

Reports afterward indicated ligament damage but no fracture.

Shortly after leaving the national team gathering, Rolfö appeared with crutches and a medical boot before Barcelona's cup final. The club announced that it is up to the Swedish national team to decide if she will be able to play in the European Championship.

The Swedish star is now in a race against time to be fit for the European Championship opener. However, on Sunday, the national team decided to call in Matilda Vinberg as a reserve for Rolfö.

When the national team gathered on Monday in Åhus to prepare for the championship, Rolfö did not appear. The national team announced that she would join later on Monday but will not train with the team during the pre-camp.

"When Fridolina joins us in the national team, we will have the opportunity to conduct follow-up examinations in the coming days, for further dialogue on management going forward together with the club team Barcelona. At present, we therefore cannot provide any further updates," says national team doctor Houman Ebrahimi.

The examinations are taking place elsewhere, the national team announced, without specifying exactly where the star is.

Janogy's Support: "A Nightmare"

Madelen Janogy was substituted in when Rolfö was forced off injured against Denmark.

"I really hope Frido comes back; she is a very close friend of mine, so I really hope it goes well," she says.

The forward continues:

"Incredibly tough, I think it's hard to understand if you're not living in the bubble that we live in. I really feel for her and hope it goes well, and that she makes it. But it's incredibly tough, there's a championship that one has prepared for a long time."

Is it possible to explain to someone who is not in that bubble?

"It's hard to explain and understand if you're not in it. It's truly a nightmare."

What can you say to your friend who is in it?

"There's really not much you can say, but you know what's required with hard work. More to be there and try to see it positively in some way. Show that you're there."

Lundkvist Joins Later

Hanna Lundkvist will also join the camp later. The defender played a match with her club team San Diego on Monday night and will arrive in Sweden for Tuesday's training.

Of the players present in Åhus, only Ellen Wangerheim did not train with the team. The Hammarby player, who faced IFK Norrköping on Sunday, is training in the gym instead.