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.

Sunderland Echo reports that the 22-year-old goalkeeper joined the Black Cats from Malmo FF in January.

He initially backed up Robin Roefs, then stepped in after the Dutchman suffered a hamstring injury in last month’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth. Ellborg kept a clean sheet on his full debut against Leeds United, followed by outings against Port Vale and Brighton and Hove Albion.

With Roefs racing to be fit for Sunday’s Tyne-Wear Derby at St James' Park, Ellborg could yet start at Newcastle United.

Sweden’s squad has been hit by injuries, with Alexander Isak, Dejan Kulusevski, Viktor Johansson, Emil Holm, Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, Alexander Bernhardsson and Emil Krafth sidelined. Ellborg will link up with a group featuring recognisable names, including Premier League stars Viktor Gyokeres, Anthony Elanga and Victor Lindelof.

Sweden face Ukraine on 26 March in a World Cup qualification semi-final. Victory would secure a home play-off final against the winner of Poland’s meeting with Albania. Defeat would instead bring a friendly against that tie’s loser.

Source: Sunderland Echo