Gustaf Lagerbielke is a major doubt for Sweden's Nations League opener against Romania on Friday. The Braga defender missed the national team's first training session at Bosön due to groin discomfort.
"We can improve in all areas", Potter told Dagens Nyheter. "If we concede five goals or if we concede three goals, there is an obvious defensive problem." Lagerbielke, who started all of Sweden's World Cup matches this summer, is now undergoing rehabilitation with the aim of being available later in the camp. As a direct consequence, U21 international John Mellberg has been called up to bolster the defensive line.
Besfort Zeneli also sat out training after spraining his ankle in his club match for Union Saint-Gilloise on Sunday. Press officer Petra Thorén confirmed the injury, and Zeneli will be monitored by the medical team. Further withdrawals include Taha Ali, who is reported to have re-dislocated his shoulder and will not join the camp, as well as the previously announced absences of Gustaf Nilsson and Mattias Svanberg.
Defensive concerns ahead of tough run
The potential loss of Lagerbielke comes at a sensitive time for a Swedish side that conceded seven goals in three World Cup matches and currently sits third in their qualifying group. Ahead of a run of four matches in eleven days, starting at home to Romania on September 25th, defensive stability is a key concern. Alongside Lagerbielke and Mellberg, the regular centre-backs include Victor Nilsson Lindelöf, Hjalmar Ekdal and Carl Starfelt, with Gabriel Gudmundsson also an option.
Sweden, on four points from three World Cup qualifying games, faces a key Nations League window with matches also against Poland at home and away trips to Bosnia/Herzegovina and Romania. Their recent form of one win, two draws and two defeats in the last five outings shows the need for a solid start.
Georgson confirmed as assistant coach
In the coaching staff, Andreas Georgson has been formally appointed as assistant coach. The 44-year-old set-piece specialist has worked with Potter since his arrival and will combine the role with his work for Tottenham.
"To represent the men's national team is a great honour for me and my family", Georgson said on the Swedish FA's website. "I feel that the cooperation with leaders and players has grown very strong in a short time and I will do everything I can to help the team develop and reach Euro 2028." Sebastian Larsson also continues as an assistant coach, while Björn Hamberg has left to focus on his role at Elfsborg.
Potter will announce his final Nations League squad at a press conference streamed at 12:00. It is the first time he has gathered the players since the World Cup exit to France. With a defence already under strain, the selections at the back become even more critical to turn around the recent trend. The full squad and its statistics are available to follow on our site.
Background and full detail: SVT Nyheter
