FREDDIE Ljungberg could be out of the European Championship finals after suffering a cracked rib in West Ham's 2-2 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.
The Sweden captain was enjoying an influential display in a free-role when he was accidentally trodden on by Magpies' central defender Steven Taylor midway through the first half.
The 30-year-old, who has endured an injury-ravaged career with both Arsenal and the Hammers, was treated on the pitch for several minutes before being carried off on a stretcher.
Afterwards, Irons manager Alan Curbishley admitted Ljungberg would be out of action for the remainder of the Premier League season and faces a race to be fit for the summer showcase in Austria and Switzerland.
"We think he's got a cracked rib, I think Taylor came down on him," he explained.
"I've not seen it, but I think Freddie has gone through and as Taylor has tried to get back and tried to leapfrog him, but has landed on him.
"He has been raked all down the front and the side of his face I think and cracked a rib.
"Another one goes out, but we hope he is okay for the Euros because obviously Sweden are on the way."
Curbishley revealed that while Ljungberg will be out of action, England defender Matthew Upson could return for Saturday's trip to Manchester United.
"He trained on Wednesday fully, and he trained Thursday and we thought he was back, but he just felt it again," he said.
"Jonathan Spector has got a chance, probably more of a chance than Anton Ferdinand, but I have been happy with James Tomkins and Lucas Neill in there, and Johnny Pantsil has come in (at right back)."
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