Elmander and Elm ruled out for French clash

Sweden’s hopes of rounding off their disappointing Euro 2012 campaign with a win against France in their final Group D game on Tuesday suffered a double blow on Monday as both Johan Elmander and Rasmus Elm were ruled out because of injury. Elmander, who came on as a substitute in the 2-1 defeat by co-hosts Ukraine and started the 3-2 loss to England, is still troubled by the foot injury he suffered playing for his club Turkish champions Galatasaray on the last day of the season. Sweden coach Erik Hamren revealed that Elm is suffering from a thigh injury. “Elmander is not fit to play,” said the 54-year-old coach. “He is still suffering from the foot injury and given that nothing is at stake in terms of the match, I don’t want to take a risk. “I have too much respect for both him and his club. “Elm has a thigh problem. Apart from that all of us are ready and motivated and eager to play the game.” While Sweden are playing just for pride, the French can claim a place in the last eight - the first time they will have reached the latter stages of a finals since the 2006 World Cup - with just a draw.