Isak Hien’s World Cup is over, and his next battle will be in rehabilitation.

The Swedish defender has undergone surgery after suffering a serious injury to his left thigh, Atalanta confirmed on Tuesday.

For Hien, it is a cruel ending to a tournament that had already placed him at the centre of Sweden’s defence. Instead of preparing for the next stage, the 27-year-old is now beginning the long road back to fitness.

Atalanta confirm successful surgery

According to Atalanta’s official medical bulletin, Hien underwent surgery on Tuesday, June 30, to repair a lesion of the proximal tendon of the semimembranosus muscle in his left thigh.

Read also: Tragedy strikes Mexico City World Cup celebrations as two confirmed dead

The semimembranosus is one of the hamstring muscles, which makes the injury especially serious for a player whose game depends on acceleration, turning and one-on-one defending.

Atalanta said the operation was “perfectly successful”.

The procedure was carried out at Hospital Pihlajalinna in Turku, Finland, by Professor Lasse Lempainen, a specialist in tendon surgery.

Hien will now begin his rehabilitation programme immediately.

Read also: Mbappé closes in on Messi’s World Cup record

Injury came during Sweden’s World Cup campaign

According to Aftonbladet, Hien suffered the injury during Sweden’s final group-stage match against Japan.

He was forced off in the second half and was later seen using crutches after the game.

That image now carries more weight. What first looked like a painful tournament setback has become a significant club issue for Atalanta as well.

Aftonbladet also reported that Hien had left the Swedish World Cup squad after the injury.

Read also: Who will win the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot?

A painful end to a dream

Hien’s absence was already a blow for Sweden before their knockout match.

According to Football Italia, the Atalanta centre-back had started all three of Sweden’s group matches before being ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

He later addressed the setback on Instagram.

“A dream that has come true, but which unfortunately ends prematurely for my part,” Hien wrote, according to Football Italia.

Read also: Donald Trump celebrates after US Supreme Court delivers major transgender sports ruling

It is a short message, but it says enough.

For a defender who had worked his way into a major role for both club and country, the timing could hardly have been worse.

Atalanta wait for recovery timeline

Atalanta have not given a date for Hien’s return.

That is important.

Read also: These 7 coaches got fired after World Cup 2026 exit

Tendon injuries can be difficult to judge in the first days after surgery, and the club will likely wait to see how he responds to the early stages of rehabilitation before setting any public timeline.

For now, the only certainty is that Hien’s recovery has started.

The successful operation is the first step. The harder part begins now.

A setback for club and country

Hien has become an important defender for Atalanta since joining the club, and his physical style makes him a natural fit in Serie A.

That is why this injury matters beyond Sweden’s World Cup exit.

Atalanta are now facing a period without one of their central defenders, while Hien must rebuild from an injury that affects one of the most important muscle areas for a centre-back.

The club’s statement was calm and brief.

But the reality is clear: Hien’s World Cup ended in disappointment, and Atalanta must now wait to see when he can return.