Story Summary
Björklöven have confirmed further absences for Lucas and Marcus Nilsson, leaving the club without a 31-year-old centre still awaiting his season debut and a productive 35-year-old forward.
Lucas has yet to play this season because of a persistent injury carried from pre-season. Björklöven’s physiotherapy team has indicated that he faces at least a further four to six weeks out. He is not expected to return before the international break at the beginning of November at the earliest.
Marcus Nilsson has also been placed on the injury list after taking a hit against Linköping on Saturday. His expected absence is shorter, at two to four weeks. Björklöven hope he can return before the November break.
Sporting director Per Kenttä said the immediate priority was to give both players the best possible conditions for rehabilitation and a return to action.
Key Facts
- Lucas, 31, has not made his season debut after a persistent injury dating from pre-season.
- Björklöven’s physiotherapy team has set Lucas’s absence at a further four to six weeks at minimum.
- Lucas is not expected to play before the international break at the beginning of November at the earliest.
- The expected timetable means Lucas will miss eight matches and at least a quarter of the regular season.
- Marcus Nilsson suffered a hit against Linköping on Saturday and will miss the immediate period.
- Nilsson’s absence is expected to last two to four weeks, with the hope that he can return before the international break.
- Nilsson, 35, has recorded five points in six games this season.
- Sporting director Per Kenttä said the focus is on supporting Marcus Nilsson and Lucas through rehabilitation.
IHM Discussion
The two absences are different in both timing and context. Lucas’s recovery remains the longer-term issue, as he has not yet entered the season after being expected to serve as Björklöven’s first centre. The club’s stated minimum window pushes his earliest possible return beyond the upcoming run of eight matches.
Nilsson’s timetable is less extensive, but his absence removes a player who has started the campaign with five points in six appearances. Björklöven have not attached a firm return date to either player, instead setting recovery ranges and outlining the November international break as the relevant marker for Lucas.
Why It Matters
Björklöven are managing the absence of a centre expected to occupy a leading role without having had him available for a game this season. Nilsson’s injury adds a second established player to the list, despite a productive opening six matches. The club has made clear that rehabilitation, rather than a rushed return, is its current focus.
Mini Q&A
When could Lucas return for Björklöven?
Lucas is not expected to play before the international break at the beginning of November at the earliest, following a further absence of at least four to six weeks.
How long will Marcus Nilsson be out?
Nilsson is expected to miss two to four weeks after taking a hit against Linköping, with Björklöven hoping he can return before the November break.
What Comes Next
The next stated checkpoint is the international break at the beginning of November. Lucas is not expected back before then at the earliest, while Björklöven hope Nilsson may return before the break.