With Viktor Nilsson Lindelöf injured and an Emil Forsberg who needs to rest, Janne Andersson has chosen to give the team captaincy to Robin Olsen against Serbia on Thursday.
– It’s an honor. We have many leaders on this team. I always try to help, talk a lot and be a leader type. But that it is I who has the bandage on my arm when we play the match is not something I will think about, says Olsen.
The goalkeeper is coming however, be allowed to lead Sweden without the defenders he is used to in front of him.
– There are new faces but everyone who is here is good. We know how to play. Then it’s different when it’s a match but I’m convinced that whoever plays tomorrow will do well.
Joakim Nilsson did not train with the team on Wednesday but did rehab. Other healthy midfielders who remain in the squad are Edvin Kurtulus, Hjalmar Ekdal and Sotirios Papagiannopoulos. The latter is the only one who plays in the national team before (four international matches.
On Tuesday reported BBC that the supporter who attacked Robin Olsen at the end of the season against Manchester City will be suspended from all football for four years and will be fined the equivalent of 10,000 kronor. The supporter has admitted that he entered the plan illegally. The case of whether the supporter also abused Olsen is still being investigated.
– I actually did not know. I knew they had taken someone the day after the match. It is positive that there will be a harsh punishment. I think it is good for football in England, with all the incidents that happened that week, that you find these people and fine them very hard, Olsen says when the news reaches him.
Facts. Sweden’s midfield crisis
● Previously, both Pontus Jansson and Marcus Danielssn have turned down the national team.
● Filip Helander and Viktor Nilsson Lindelöf could not join the national team collection due to injury.
● Carl Starfelt stepped off injured against Slovenia.
● Alexander Milosevic has left the national team after an injury in the match against Norway.
● Joakim Nilsson, who started against both Slovenia and Norway, did not train with the team on Wednesday but ran rehab in the hope of being able to play against Serbia on Thursday.
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