Sweden Plays It Safe as Gyökeres Withdraws from the Squad

Sweden will be missing centre-forward Viktor Gyökeres for their upcoming friendly matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, as he has pulled out of the training camp in Marbella, Spain.

The striker from Sporting CP has not participated in the full training sessions with the squad due to a minor injury concern.

To prevent exacerbating his condition during these non-competitive fixtures, it was decided he would withdraw from the team.

“Viktor is experiencing a bit of pain and has been following a modified training routine over the past week. We want to avoid taking any risks,” stated Sweden’s head coach, Jon Dahl Tomasson.

Taking his place is Gustaf Nilsson from Club Brugge, who notably found the back of the net in consecutive friendlies in March 2024 against Portugal and Albania.

Following his recent goal at Wembley in the EFL Cup Final on Sunday, Alexander Isak is anticipated to lead the attack for at least one of Sweden’s clashes against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland next week.

Also absent from the squad are goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt, who will remain with AIK as they gear up for the Allsvenskan season, along with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson.

They have been replaced by Coventry City keeper Oliver Dovin and the uncapped midfielder Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjaelland.

Sweden’s first fixture will be away in Luxembourg on Saturday, March 22nd, followed by a home match against Northern Ireland in Solna on Tuesday, March 25th.