Andreas Granqvist had not played a match in nine months when he was selected in the national team captain Janne Andersson's national team squad last Tuesday.
The most recent international match was the European Championship qualifier against Romania on 15 November 2019 and there are no hopes that he will be able to play this collection.
That he was still selected in the national team squad is met with mixed opinions, but Granqvist does not think he has taken anyone's place.
- I know there have been discussions.
But Janne was pretty clear.
He took out five midfielders, usually he takes out four.
Had I not been selected, no one else would have taken that place.
It was not that I went in and took someone's place, it was more that he felt it was time to make the squad a little bigger.
"Trying to help others"
The league captain said that Granqvist was selected for his role as leader and team captain.
- I feel that I am a person who talks a lot and tries to help others a lot in training and outside.
I can be a link between the squad and the coaching staff.
If there are any questions or that need to be raised, I can be the person who helps, says "Granen".
But despite the uncertain form, the focus is on this summer's European Championships.
- Of course I believe in that.
Otherwise I would not have been here and probably not played football anymore.
I think there is a possibility if I agree, if the groin works and I feel that I can participate on good terms.