Leeds United defender absent as Sweden loss and rival’s struggles hint at World Cup opening | OneFootball

Leeds United defender Gabriel Gudmundsson sat out Sweden’s 3-1 loss to Norway, yet his path to a World Cup start might have opened if fitness returns.

Sweden collapsed before the break in Oslo, with January Leeds target Jorgen Strand Larsen scoring twice by 37 minutes and Antonio Nusa netting in between. Alexander Isak replied after the interval as Graham Potter made nine in-game changes, and Daniel Svensson was the only outfielder to play the full 90. Aftonbladet reports that Svensson struggled, skipped the mixed zone and drew harsh criticism.

Gudmundsson was named in the 26-man squad last month despite a hamstring issue and has not played since April’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Wembley. He then missed Leeds’ final four Premier League matches as safety was secured.

After the squad announcement, he said he could not comment on details, admitting he had fallen behind. He added that he had maintained good dialogue with the national staff and would be fully ready when the group met on 27 May.

Sweden host Greece on Thursday, the final warm-up before departing for the USA, Canada and Mexico. They face Tunisia in Guadalupe, Mexico on 15 June, the Netherlands in Houston five days later, then Ao Tanka’s Japan in Arlington on 26 June.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk