Philip Hillander, Joachim Nelson, Karl Starvelt and Hjalmar Ekdal were injured – Marcus Danielson and Pontus Jansson retreated.
Jan Andersson shakes his head at the absurd full-back position.
– If you look at the central defender, I am not against anyone who can go … says the captain of the national team.
Jan Anderson He dropped a barrage of laughter during the press conference with his hanging humorous comment. Six of Sweden’s best centre-backs are not in the national team for various reasons.
Then the national team captain hopes a lot for Victor Nelson Lindelof, who has just returned from injury.
Manchester United took it very carefully with him. When he declined an offer earlier, it was a back problem, then a thigh or leg injury. I really hope nothing happens to him now. Victor is an important player for us, not least when we talk about leadership qualities.
‘We are not worried’
When Sportbladet spoke to Andersson after the press conference, he was confident Lindelöf could play an important role during the rally.
Victor came back a few weeks ago and played some matches. He was in good health, so we weren’t worried. The last time I spoke to him, it was like this a few weeks ago, and since then I haven’t spoken to him, but things have been going just as they should. Our medical team is in contact with the players and has not received any further signals. But Victor must be healthy and fit.
Everything indicates that he will also play in the matches against Serbia and Slovenia.
“He does not speak to him, nor is he united.”
Are VNL and United signaling he wants to play time after injury?
I haven’t talked to him, nor have I challenged him. When he comes to the gathering, I hope to contribute as usual, as he says and apparently Vig is still his clear team leader:
– Yes, I said that a year ago. Victor I, Albin II, Emile III. Robin Olsen Four. These are important players for us.
Call Bein immediately
It could very well be that Lindelof gets a new center back partner in matches. Isak Hien’s success at Djurgården and a move to Hellas Verona in Serie A led to him being selected for the national team.
His physical fitness, his attitude to the game and his tactical ability. It’s been a great ride, it would be fun working with him,” Anderson says of Hein.
The young centre-back had the chance to play for Ghana and Burkina Faso, but opted for Sweden instead.
– When I raised the issue of choosing his country’s national team, I called him and spoke with him. I wanted to ask how he saw it. Of course it wouldn’t be fun for me to take him out if he said no. I did that a few weeks ago and then he wanted to play for Sweden and then I said ‘I expect you’ll come if I call you’.