Latest Derby County news from DerbyshireLive brings you what Graham Potter has had to say with Sweden due to face Slovenia
Derby County goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom is on standby to play for Sweden in their final World Cup qualifier after Viktor Johansson was left out of training today.
Johansson, the Stoke City number one, stayed in the gym ahead of the clash against Slovenia with Graham Potter waiting to make his decision on whether he will play.
If Johansson does not make it, Derby’s Zetterstrom would be favourite to take the number one jersey after being on the subs bench for the defeat to Switzerland.
Kristoffer Norfeldt was also among the subs but Zetterstrom’s recent form might just give him the nod should Johansson not make it.
The former Djurgarden goalkeeper was recently named as a contender for the Championship player of the month having conceded just two goals from 17 shots on target he faced in October.
Sweden currently sit bottom of their qualifying group, but their chances of making the top two are non existent.
However, Zetterstrom and Sweden do have a play-off spot thanks to their Nations League position.
They will join the 12 group runners-up plus three other 2024/25 Nations League group winners – Romania, Northern Ireland and either Wales or North Macedonia. Either Wales or Macedonia will go through as runners-up too. The play-offs will take place in March.
Petra Thoren, Sweden’s national team press officer, said: “After a joint assessment between the medical and sports teams, it is an individual plan in the gym today that applies to (Johansson).”
Potter added at a pre-match press conference: “He’s recovering today. We’ll see how he reacts and then make the decision that’s best for us.”
Zetterstrom will fly back to the UK after this match to join a Derby squad preparing to take on John Eustace’s old club Watford in the Championship this weekend (Saturday, 3pm).
How highly have you rated Zetterstrom’s performances? Have your say HERE.
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