Ukraine Loses Key Defender Ahead of Sweden Clash: Krushynskyi Sidelined by Injury.

Krushynskyi's Absence

According to Novyny.live: Borys Krushynskyi, a defender for Zhytomyr-based 'Polissia' and the Ukrainian national team, will be unavailable for the upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifier semifinal against Sweden. The setback stems from an injury he sustained during the final pre-match training session, which ultimately prevented his inclusion in the matchday squad.

Krushynskyi enjoyed a strong 2025/2026 season, making 18 appearances for 'Polissia' and providing three assists. However, despite his contributions, the national team now has only Vitaliy Mykolenko and Bohdan Mykhailichenko as available left-back options. Several other defenders had previously been ruled out due to injuries, including:

• Mykola Matviyenko
• Taras Mykhavko
• Arseniy Batahov
• Maksym Talovyerov

Team Situation

National team official Vitaliy Pletsan confirmed that Krushynskyi was left off the roster after picking up an injury and experiencing discomfort in his leg, making his participation in the match impossible. This development adds another layer of difficulty for the squad during a critical phase of the qualifiers.

The loss of Krushynskyi represents a significant blow for Ukraine, as the team was already grappling with the absence of other key defensive players. Given the high stakes of the Sweden match, this situation could force the coaching staff to rethink their tactical approach. The squad will need to adapt quickly to these new circumstances to maintain a competitive edge in the World Cup qualifying campaign.