Story Summary
Lucas Wallmark is reportedly facing at least another month on the sidelines, extending the Björklöven centre’s injury absence beyond the opening six matches of the SHL season.
The returning Björklöven star is not expected to be available until after the November international break at the earliest. That timetable would rule him out of at least eight further games, including a two-game meeting with Skellefteå and a match against his former club, Luleå.
Björklöven have nevertheless made a strong start as SHL newcomers. The Umeå side sit third in the league after winning five of their first six matches without Wallmark in the line-up.
Key Facts
- Lucas Wallmark has missed Björklöven’s first six SHL matches because of injury.
- He is reportedly expected to be out for at least another month and is not expected to be available before the November international break.
- The reported absence would cover at least eight more matches, including two games against Skellefteå and a meeting with former club Luleå.
- Wallmark underwent further examinations earlier in the week, and his return could take longer than the period after the international break.
- The centre returned to Umeå and Björklöven before this season after 16 seasons with other clubs.
- Björklöven are third in the SHL with five wins from their opening six games despite Wallmark’s absence.
IHM Discussion
The immediate issue for Björklöven is the lengthening uncertainty around a centre they brought back to Umeå before the season. The reported minimum timetable already takes Wallmark through a significant block of fixtures, while the further examinations leave open the possibility that the absence could run beyond the November break.
Björklöven’s early results have given the club a useful platform: five victories in six games have placed the promoted side third. Those results do not remove Wallmark’s importance, but they mean the team has collected points while he has been unavailable rather than beginning the campaign from behind.
The fixture list also gives the absence added prominence. Wallmark is reportedly due to miss both meetings with Skellefteå and the game against Luleå, a club he previously represented. No specific injury diagnosis or firm return date has been stated.
Why It Matters
Wallmark’s absence is now more than a short opening-week setback. At a minimum, Björklöven must continue without him for another eight games, with the reported earliest availability only after the November international break.
For a newly promoted club, remaining near the top of the table through the first six matches is a notable start. The coming period will show how long Björklöven can maintain that form while one of their returning headline players remains out.
Mini Q&A
How long is Lucas Wallmark expected to be out?
He is reportedly set to miss at least another month and is not expected to be available until after the November international break at the earliest.
How have Björklöven performed without Wallmark?
Björklöven have won five of their first six SHL matches and are third in the league.
What Comes Next
The next clear checkpoint is the November international break, after which Wallmark is reportedly expected to become an option at the earliest. His additional examinations mean there is no confirmed return date.