Coach Graham Potter of Sweden has marked a significant milestone by becoming one of the first managers to announce his World Cup squad, revealing a 26-man lineup that features Liverpool forward Alexander Isak as a key player.
Despite a challenging season at Anfield due to injury setbacks following his high-profile transfer from Newcastle, Isak has been included in the squad.
During a press conference held in Stockholm, Potter remarked, “Recovering from a long-term injury is not a linear process; it often involves progress followed by setbacks. Our goal is to help Alex [Isak] regain his best form because, at his peak, he’s a world-class asset.”
Joining Isak in the impressive lineup is Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres, who has become a national hero after scoring a crucial late goal against Poland during the World Cup playoffs, securing Sweden’s spot in the tournament.
The squad also includes seasoned players like Aston Villa defender Victor Lindelöf and Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga.
Notably absent from the team is Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury and will miss the tournament in North America. Kulusevski has been out for more than a year.
Potter shared, “Making the decision to leave Kulusevski out was tough, but ultimately it was the right choice for both the player and the team. It’s difficult as he genuinely wants to be part of the squad, but I must prioritize the team’s best interests.”
Additionally, Potter faced a tough decision regarding Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson and Barcelona winger Roony Bardghji, who were cut from the squad for “competitive reasons.”
Sweden is set to play friendly matches against Norway and Greece before heading to Monterrey, Mexico, where they will kick off their World Cup journey against Tunisia on June 14.
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.