Leeds United’s Pontus Jansson and Celtic’s Mikael Lustig aren’t expected to be called up to the Sweden squad when they travel to Abu Dhabi in January. Janne Andersson’s side take on the Ivory Coast and Slovakia, but several of his main players won’t make the trip to the Middle East.
Fotbollskanalen have reported Sweden manager Andersson will turn to youth and players based in the Swedish leagues when it comes to his selection.
It’s been revealed they will take a number of players from the U21 side, and because the domestic season has now finished in Sweden, players from their home league will also be made available.
It was always unlikely Andersson would look to both Jansson and Lustig given the heavy schedules British clubs have in January, and likewise the other players playing in other European leagues.
Jansson and Lustig have been mainstays in Andersson’s squads since he was installed as the new coach in the summer. With Jansson’s performances for Leeds United this season the defender has forced himself back into national team plans, and got a rare start last month against Hungary. The 25-year-old has become a key figure in Garry Monk’s side, and a permanent move to Leeds United looks on the cards.
Lustig has also been good for Celtic in the past 12 months, and was recently shortlisted for best Swedish defender of the year. Unlike Jansson the Celtic star has been a regular starter under Andersson, but he will be replaced by Leeds United target Linus Wahlqvist for the two friendlies in January.
