Sweden find confidence in demanding international window despite iinjury crisis

The first extended September-to-October camp has attracted criticism across football, and few teams faced greater disruption than Graham Potter’s side, who lost around half their original squad over the two weeks.

Yet Sweden remained unbeaten and finished the window top of Group B4, strengthening their pursuit of a second consecutive promotion in the competition.

A hard-earned 1-0 victory away to Romania completed a double over Gheorghe Hagi’s team and brought another significant milestone: Sweden’s first clean sheet in 18 matches.

It was also their first under Potter and their first since a 2-0 friendly victory over Hungary in June 2025.

Viktor Gyokeres provided a constant source of attacking quality, scoring four goals in four matches. However, captain Victor Lindelof believes the squad’s ability to absorb repeated changes was just as encouraging.

“If you look at this camp and everything that has happened, it shows that we have a good squad and players who can come in and help straight away. That gives me confidence.”

“Whatever happens, whether it is the Nations League or European Championship qualifying, I remain calm,” the centre-back added.

Four matches in 11 days represent an unusual workload for national teams outside major tournaments. 

For Lindelof, however, the demands felt familiar after years of balancing club and international commitments.

“I am used to this; it has been like this for the past 10 years. One match after another. I am trying to focus on recovery, eating, sleeping and treatment,” he said.

That routine also resonated with goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, whose club schedule at Stoke City regularly involves similarly short turnarounds in the English Championship.

“We play on Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, so for me there is not much difference. I like it. They are a fantastic group, so getting to spend time with them is wonderful,” Johansson said.

His enthusiasm offered a positive counterpoint to the wider concerns about the extended international schedule. Despite the strain of matches and the disruption caused by unavailable players, those remaining in camp appeared to value the opportunity to spend more time together.

That sense of togetherness will encourage Potter and Lindelof, particularly when it is shared by players still establishing themselves within the national setup.

Besfort Zeneli also welcomed the experience, while acknowledging that teammates affected by injuries might view the schedule differently.

“The players who are injured probably do not like having to play so many matches, but I do — I want to play football and spend time with my teammates,” he said.

Sweden’s results have given that optimism substance. A depleted squad still delivered 10 points, leaving Potter’s team well placed to finish their promotion challenge when the group campaign resumes.