Melker Ellborg earns first Sweden call-up under ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter | OneFootball

Melker Ellborg has earned his first senior Sweden call-up from head coach Graham Potter, the ex-Chelsea boss, after impressing in goal for Sunderland.

Sunderland Echo reports that the 22-year-old signed in January from Malmo FF and initially deputised for Robin Roefs before stepping in after the Dutchman’s hamstring injury in last month’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.

Ellborg kept a clean sheet on his full debut against Leeds United, then featured against Port Vale and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Sweden face a World Cup qualification semi-final against Ukraine later this month, and injuries have sidelined Alexander Isak, Dejan Kulusevski, Viktor Johansson, Emil Holm, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Alexander Bernhardsson and Emil Krafth.

The squad also includes recognisable Premier League names Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga and Victor Lindelof.

Back on Wearside, Roefs faces a race to be fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby at St James’ Park, so Ellborg could start against Newcastle United.

If Sweden beat Ukraine on March 26th they will host the winner of Poland’s semi-final with Albania, while defeat would mean a friendly against the loser.

Source: Sunderland Echo