Hopefully, he will come later, but now he has more important things than football to take care of at home, says national team captain Jon Dahl Tomasson at a press conference.
We are keeping our fingers crossed that everything will go well, but for the time being, he cannot be here.
It has been clear since earlier that vice team captain Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak will miss the gathering due to injuries. Sebastian Nanasi and Lucas Bergvall are two other players who must refrain from national team matches.
We would, of course, have wanted our strongest team for the preparations for the VM qualification in the autumn, but football is not a perfect world and we have to adapt, says the national team captain.
Only Hungary for Elanga
In addition, it has been predetermined that offensive midfielder/forward Anthony Elanga will only play against Hungary and not be included against Algeria.
This has been decided a long time ago and it is due to private reasons, says Dahl Tomasson.
The national team captain invited defensive talent John Mellberg to the gathering last week. So far, he is impressed by what the 18-year-old – son of former national team captain Olof Mellberg – has accomplished during the training sessions.
He caught our eyes. He is still young and learning, says Tomasson.
The national team captain emphasizes that Mellberg is primarily included in the squad to get familiar with the national team environment.
He learns quickly and the most important thing now is to get used to our team and our principles in the game.
Do not Compare
Tomasson absolutely does not want to compare father and son Mellberg.
I do not like to compare dad and son. No, do not do that. Let John become the best John he can be. And think about that he is only 18 years old, says he.
Alexander Bernhardsson is another new name in the squad since "JDT" became national team captain in 2024.
His club (Kiel) has had a tough season. The last part of the season he has done really well. He is useful in several positions. An interesting player we want to see in this environment.
Sweden meets Hungary in Budapest on Friday and then Algeria in Solna next Tuesday.
Jon Dahl Tomasson lets goalkeepers Robin Olsen and Viktor Johansson stand each their match.
- They will get a match each this time as well. It is important to have two really good goalkeepers.
