Emil Forsberg has been left out of the Swedish national team squad again, despite his strong form in MLS. New coach Graham Potter explains the decision by noting the difficulty in selecting from many talents. Forsberg has had no contact with Potter ahead of the call-up.
Emil Forsberg, 34, is absent from Graham Potter's first Sweden national team squad. The midfielder has impressed with New York Red Bulls in MLS, scoring 11 goals and providing 9 assists in 33 matches this season. He has 21 goals in 90 caps for Sweden, but his last appearance was last fall in a 6-0 home win over Azerbaijan, where he substituted in the second half.
He was then dropped by former coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. Many hoped for a return under Potter, but it did not happen. At a press conference, Potter said: "It's always difficult to choose players. There are many who could be included, we have many good players in Swedish football. But for this gathering, I have chosen these players."
Potter confirmed he had no contact with Forsberg ahead of the selection. The squad also misses Anton Salétros, a regular under Tomasson. Potter commented: "I have full respect for Anton. But for this gathering, I want other types of players. But these are not easy decisions to make."
Salétros told Expressen: "He said he would look at other players. You have respect for that. You fight for your place and this time I wasn't included."
Additionally, Viktor Gyökeres is out due to an injury from Arsenal's latest match, and Niclas Eliasson after a recent injury. The call-up sparks discussions ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Sweden faces Switzerland soon.