Freddie Ljungberg is fighting fit and is targeting a double success in the next week - first leading Sweden to EURO 2008 and then helping West Ham United win the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
The midfielder has been back in full training over the past fortnight, making a return to the bench for last Saturday's 5-0 victory at Derby County, and paid tribute to the efforts made to get him back in contention. "I am happy to be back to full strength with my body," he said. "I feel strong and have had lots of time to recover. The last week at West Ham felt good, and I had great support from our rehab staff."
Ljungberg will hope to figure against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, not least because as a former Arsenal player he would get the chance to put one over old rivals while there is also the prospect of six games unbeaten for the club. "I am looking forward to coming back, after the international games, to West Ham," he added. "Our next game is a local derby against Spurs and important to both clubs in a number of ways."
First up are his responsibilities as Sweden captain, a role he takes very seriously. "I am always proud to represent Sweden. In recent years as captain, this honour is even greater." The Scandinavian nation, who are competing with Northern Ireland for qualification from Group F, only need a point from Wednesday's visit of Latvia to make sure of their place in Switzerland and Austria next summer - even after a 3-0 defeat in Spain on Saturday.