Svanberg was substituted after 64 minutes against Azerbaijan on September 5 last year. Since the Nations League debut, he has not played a single minute for the national team.
Injuries, poor form and a competitive situation where he fell short are various reasons for the long and involuntary absence.
It has been sad, of course. Partly because you haven't been there, partly because the results haven't been what you want. Even though I haven't been on the team, you've felt a sense of togetherness. I had hoped for more, but now it's what it is, says Svanberg.
Withdrawn striker
Svanberg will play the role of a withdrawn striker from the start, paired with Benjamin Nygren.
Daniel Svensson takes the position as left back and in midfield Alexander Bernhardsson and Anthony Elanga play on the wings.
Starting XI: Viktor Johansson – Emil Holm, Isak Hien, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Daniel Svensson – Alexander Bernhardsson, Yasin Ayari, Jesper Karlström, Anthony Elanga – Mattias Svanberg, Benjamin Nygren.
"We have talked this week about the importance of having stability in how we defend. Of course, the opponents control a large part of how we need to defend, it is not so much about high or low pressure but more about having clarity in our defensive organization to be able to win the ball and threaten offensively," says Graham Potter to the association's website.
Switzerland eleven: Gregor Kobel – Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez – Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder, Granit Xhaka – Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.
Among the Swedish substitutes there is offensive power. Alexander Isak is one of the players who starts on the bench. He is back again after a short period of caution linked to an injury in Liverpool.
"He's not ready to play two 90-minute games so it's about how we can load him. I've decided to let him start on the bench tonight and then we'll see on Tuesday," said Potter.
Switzerland can reach the World Cup
Tonight's World Cup qualifiers kick off at 8:45 p.m. Sweden must win to keep their chance of finishing second in the group alive. At the same time, Slovenia must defeat Kosovo.
For Switzerland, it is enough to take one point to win the group and secure a place in the World Cup this summer.
Whatever happens, Sweden is ready for the playoffs in March, thanks to last fall's victory in the Nations League. However, a second place in the group gives a better seeding in the playoff draw.
