Freddie Ljungberg is facing a race against time to be fit for this summer's Euro 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

The Sweden captain sustained a rib injury during West Ham's 2-2 draw with Newcastle at the end of last month after a collision with Magpies defender Steven Taylor.

The 31-year-old was taken to hospital where scans confirmed the extent of the damage to leave the midfielder's participation in next month's tournament in serious doubt.

"I felt like my entire chest would fall apart," Ljungberg told Expressen. "I still have a hard time taking deep breaths.

"I'm not sure whether I will able to participate in any pre-Euro training matches because these things take time and I reckon I will need a few more weeks of rehabilitation.

"I hope I will be able to take up cycling soon again. As it is now it hurts just to stand up or move around.

"I tried to get up and run shortly after the incident but it just wouldn't work, it hurts too much."

Co-hosts Switzerland kick off proceedings on June 7 with a game against Czech Republic before Sweden get their campaign underway three days later against Greece.

Click on the link below the photo for details of Sweden's group, which includes Spain and Russia along with Greece.

Kristine Bergstrom / Eurosport