Juventus wing back Emil Holm will miss the World Cup after suffering a muscle injury less than two weeks before the first kickoff.
The 26 year old has been a regular feature for Sweden. Since making his senior international debut in 2022, he has earned 16 caps and scored two goals. Holm was one of seven Juventus players who earned World Cup call ups.
But he has been pulled out of Sweden’s squad after suffering a new injury blow at the worst possible time.
‘This is the hardest moment I’ve ever been through’
On Saturday, the Swedish national team announced that the Juventus loanee has suffered a muscle injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks. The right back has been left behind.
National team head coach Graham Potter, the former Chelsea boss, confirmed the news while offering his best wishes.
“It’s obviously a great sadness for Emil, forced to leave us at this stage, and for us. We are close to him and wish him a speedy recovery,” Potter said via Tuttosport.
The inconsolable Holm, who has now been replaced by Herman Johnasson, expressed his great disappointment on social media.
“My heart is broken. This is the hardest moment I’ve ever been through as a footballer,” he posted on Instagram.
“I’ve fought all my life for the opportunity to represent my country in a World Cup. Being so close to the goal and seeing it slip away at the last minute due to injury is incredibly painful. It really hurts.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team and everyone around it. What we’ve built together is something special. I’m absolutely certain the team will do their best overseas. I’ll be following you from home, from my couch.”
Will Holm stay at Juventus?
Holm is a boyhood Juventus supporter who realised his dream by signing for the club in February, completing a loan with an option to buy from Bologna.
However, the Bianconeri might be reluctant to pay €15m for his services, especially considering his injury record.
Nevertheless, Juventus and Bologna could decide to renew the loans of Holm and Joao Mario, who moved in the opposite direction, for another season.
The bottom line
A boyhood dream crushed. A World Cup stolen by injury. A future at Juventus now uncertain.
Holm fought all his life for this moment. He was so close. Then it slipped away.
He’ll be watching from his couch. Heartbroken. But still proud.
The saddest sentence in football: “My heart is broken.” And this time, it’s not hyperbole.
