Ibrahimovic to sit out Sweden's friendly against Brazil

STOCKHOLM, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will miss Sweden's friendly against Brazil in London on Wednesday due to a lingering knee injury, said the Swedish Football Association.

The Inter Milan forward was diagnosed with a knee tendon injury in February.

"We agreed that he's better off taking the time for rehab and resting his knee. He's played on painkillers for several matches now," coach Lars Lagerbaeck said in a statement.

The Brazil clash at Emirates Stadium is part of Sweden's Euro 2008 preparations, marks the 50th anniversary of the 1958 World Cup final between the two sides, and is the last match before Lagerbaeck announces his selection on May 13.

"It'll be a good test for us to play a team that in terms of offense and passing is as good as Spain, who we'll be playing against in the European championships," Lagerbaeck said.

Sweden will also be without Wigan Athletic's defender Erik Edman, who tore the ligaments in his left knee in a Premier League match against Blackburn on Saturday and is expected to be out of action for around six months.

Sunderland striker Rade Prica will replace Ibrahimovic and Mikael Dorsin will replace Edman, according to the FA.