Ahead of the European Championship qualifiers, there are concerns about which centre-backs could play against Belgium and Azerbaijan. Carl Starfelt and Isak Hien, as well as fullback Emil Holm, recently suffered injuries but are selected in the squad.
"The forecast at Starfelt is quite positive. Hien and Holm haven't played the last few games, but the hope is that they'll be ready, otherwise we wouldn't have taken them out. But it's far from certain," says head coach Janne Andersson.
"A good alternative"
If Isak Hien does not come to the game, SVT Sports expert Daniel Nannskog believes that Hjalmar Ekdal can get the chance.
"He's brilliant in Burnley and the Championship, where you have an in-form player that you can throw in. But I've been leaning towards recording Lindelöf and Hien so it's unfortunate if Hien can't play. Then Hjalmar Ekdal is a good alternative, says Nannskog.
The head coach also praises Hjalmar Ekdal:
"Hjalmar (Ekdal) I think has grown all the time and he does really well at Burnley. It's tough competition. (Carl) Starfelt also does great. I think we have good enough centre-backs," says Janne Andersson and continues:
"I want Isak (Hien) to be healthy. The first seven games last year we played with different centre-back pairings. It was messy. Then Isak came in and played the last four games with Victor (Nilsson Lindelöf). They grew together in a good way. If Isak is whole and healthy, he is an option.