New Sweden coach Graham Potter has surprised many by including injured Liverpool forward Alexander Isak in his squad for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. However, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been left out due to injury concerns.
Potter Takes Charge to Revive Sweden’s Campaign
Appointed last month, Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton manager, has taken over Sweden’s national team in an effort to revive their struggling World Cup qualification hopes. His first major test will come in November, with crucial matches against Switzerland and Slovenia.
Potter aims to bring tactical discipline and attacking creativity to a team that has struggled for consistency in recent fixtures.
Alexander Isak Returns Despite Injury Concerns
The 24-year-old Alexander Isak, who joined Liverpool in a record-breaking £125 million ($167.76 million) move in September, has missed his club’s last four matches due to a groin injury.
Despite concerns, Potter confirmed that Isak remains in his plans.
“As things stand right now, they are available,” Potter said. “Lucas has had a concussion, but hopefully he can be there when it’s time for us to play. Alex can hopefully play a bit this weekend and will be in Spain on Monday.”
Isak last featured in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt before being sidelined. His potential return could be vital for Sweden’s attacking setup.
Lucas Bergvall Cleared to Join the Squad
Lucas Bergvall, the promising Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, also faced uncertainty after suffering a concussion. However, Potter expressed optimism about his recovery and availability for the upcoming fixtures.
The inclusion of Bergvall provides Sweden with a creative midfield option as they prepare to face top opposition.
Viktor Gyokeres Misses Out
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres has been ruled out due to muscular issues. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, confirmed that Gyokeres was not part of the squad for their Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, and Potter has opted to rest him during the international break.
Gyokeres’ absence is a blow for Sweden, given his strong form earlier in the season, but Potter emphasized the importance of ensuring full recovery for key players.
Training Camp in Marbella Before Key Fixtures
The Swedish squad will assemble in Marbella, Spain, before traveling to Switzerland for their first qualifier on November 15. They will then face Slovenia three days later.
These two matches are crucial for Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and Potter’s team selection reflects a blend of experience and youthful talent.
Full Sweden Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Noel Törnqvist, Jacob Widell Zetterström
Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak Hien, Emil Holm, Gustaf Lagerbielke, Victor Lindelöf, Ken Sema, Carl Starfelt, Daniel Svensson
Midfielders and Forwards: Taha Ali, Yasin Ayari, Roony Bardghji, Lucas Bergvall, Alexander Bernhardsson, Anthony Elanga, Alexander Isak, Jesper Karlström, Hugo Larsson, Isac Lidberg, Gustav Lundgren, Benjamin Nygren, Mattias Svanberg, Besfort Zeneli
Potter’s Vision for Sweden
Potter’s appointment marks a new era for Swedish football. Known for his modern, possession-based style, he aims to inject energy and confidence into the squad. Including players like Isak and Bergvall signals his intent to balance youthful potential with proven talent.
With qualification hopes on the line, all eyes will be on how Potter’s side performs against Switzerland and Slovenia — matches that could define Sweden’s path to the 2026 World Cup.
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- Khalid Javed is known as Khalid Minhas is editor of Daily Olympic.He is a seasoned journalist and worked with different national and international media outlets.
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