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Sweden captain Zetterberg misses practice (Update: back injury, day-to-day)

ZetterbergKaberle
There was a curious absence for Team Sweden today, as captain Henrik Zetterberg missed both practice and the team photo for undisclosed reasons.

Henrik Zetterberg not on for Sweden practice, missed team picture. Usually means ailing back, will update when know more. #Sochi2014

— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) February 13, 2014


Zetterberg, who also serves as captain in Detroit, missed a pair of games in January with a back issue after missing 11 earlier in the year with the same problem. The 33-year-old did play in Sweden’s tournament-opening win over the Czechs, however, playing over 18 minutes while notching the game-winning goal.

According to Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet, Blues center Patrik Berglund replaced Zetterberg in today’s line rushes, skating between Gabriel Landeskog and Alex Steen. The Steen-Zetterberg-Landeskog unit played extremely well against the Czechs on Wednesday, combining for three points and a plus-6 rating.

Update: The latest from the Swedish medical staff, per the Canadian Press:

Sweden team doctor Bjorn Waldenbeck said Henrik Zetterberg has herniated disk problem in back. Will see how he is tomorrow.

— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 13, 2014

Sweden doctor: Zetterberg on program of anti-inflammatory treatment & rest, consulting with NHL docs. “We would of course not risk anything”

— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 13, 2014

Sweden doc Waldenberg says Zetterberg day-to-day, “But we don’t have so many days.” Perhaps more substantial decision tomorrow.

— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) February 13, 2014