Graham Potter has announced his first Sweden squad since taking charge last month, with Liverpool's Alexander Isak included for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia. However, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has been left out due to injury.
Sweden, currently at the bottom of Group B in World Cup qualifying, faces an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2026 tournament. They are scheduled to gather in Marbella, Spain, before heading to Switzerland for their match on November 15, followed by the Slovenia game three days later.
Isak's inclusion comes despite him missing Liverpool's recent games due to a groin injury sustained during a 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22. Liverpool manager Arne Slot indicated that Isak is in a race against time to be fit for the game against Manchester City. Potter acknowledged Isak's injury situation, stating that he is not ready to play two full 90-minute matches but is still available. "As things stand right now, they are available. Alex can hopefully play a bit this weekend and will be in Spain on Monday," Potter said.
Gyokeres' absence is a blow for Sweden, as the Arsenal striker is currently sidelined with a muscle injury. He was substituted at halftime during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Burnley and subsequently missed their Champions League clash with Slavia Prague. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern about Gyokeres' injury, confirming that he would not be available for the Sunderland game. "He's definitely not available," Arteta stated. "He hasn't trained today, and we need to do some more tests and scans in the next few days to understand the extent of the injury, but for this game he's not available".
In addition to Gyokeres, Tottenham Hotspur's Lucas Bergvall is also recovering from a concussion. Potter addressed Bergvall's condition, expressing hope that he would be fit for the upcoming matches. "Lucas has had a concussion, but hopefully he can be there when it's time for us to play".
Other notable inclusions in Potter's squad are Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga and former Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof. Potter emphasized the importance of selecting a squad with diverse qualities. "I think we have chosen a very good group with different qualities, which is needed," he said.
Sweden's current FIFA ranking is 40, a decrease of 8 places as of October 17, 2025. They are in a tough spot in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers and can no longer secure automatic qualification. However, they still have a slim chance of reaching the UEFA play-offs based on their Nations League ranking. Potter, who became Sweden's manager last month, faces the challenge of revitalizing their World Cup qualifying campaign. Potter is the first British manager in Sweden's history.
Sweden Squad for World Cup Qualifiers (as of November 5, 2025):
- Goalkeepers: Viktor Johansson, Kristoffer Nordfeldt, Noel Törnqvist, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom
- Defenders: Gabriel Gudmundsson, Isak Hien, Emil
- Forwards: Alexander Isak, Anthony Elanga
- Midfielders: Lucas Bergvall, Victor Lindelof
