Anthony Elanga Injury Rules Him Out of Sweden’s Nations League Matches

Anthony Elanga has been ruled out of Sweden’s September UEFA Nations League matches after suffering an injury, with his club now awaiting further scans to establish whether the winger faces an extended spell on the sidelines.

Elanga absent from Sweden squad

The 24-year-old had been expected to play an important role during Sweden’s autumn international programme, but was omitted when Graham Potter named his squad for the Division B campaign.

• Sweden confirmed that Elanga sustained an injury during the past week.
• He will miss fixtures against Romania, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Defender Isak Hien and goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom are also unavailable through injury.

Elanga’s absence interrupts a positive opening to the season and removes one of Sweden’s quickest wide attacking options for a demanding three-match window.

Jaissle waits for MRI results

Matthias Jaissle voiced concern after his side’s 4-1 defeat at Leeds, saying the early assessment of Elanga’s problem was not encouraging. The winger is due for another MRI examination next week, when the likely length of his absence should become clearer.

Jaissle said Elanga’s condition required more detailed investigation before the club could put a timeframe on his recovery. He added that the initial signs were troubling, acknowledged that a longer lay-off was possible, and said the priority was to have the player back as soon as possible.

The manager also underlined the importance of Elanga to his team, admitting the side would miss the forward if the injury proves serious.

Potter expands group and looks to younger goalkeepers

With several players unavailable, Potter has selected a larger-than-usual group for Sweden’s Nations League programme. The head coach is also using the international window to assess options for the future, particularly in goal.

• Veteran goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfeldt has not been selected.
• Melker Ellborg and Noel Tornqvist have been included among the younger goalkeeper options.
• Potter said the newcomers need opportunities to gain experience at this level and allow the staff to learn more about them.

Potter said Sweden must continue building on the work done at the World Cup, while stressing that development and results should go together. In his view, winning matches remains an important part of the team’s progress.

Romania opener starts Nations League schedule

Sweden begin their Division B group campaign at home to Romania in Stockholm on September 25. Poland visit three days later, with Bosnia and Herzegovina completing a competitive section.

Despite the injury absences, Potter retains major attacking quality in his squad. Liverpool forward Alexander Isak and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres are expected to provide the principal goal threat as Sweden look to begin the Nations League campaign with consecutive home victories.