Jordan Larsson Replaces Injured Ibrahimovic in Sweden Euro 2020 Squad

Jordan Larsson. (AFP)
Jordan Larsson. (AFP)
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Jordan Larsson Replaces Injured Ibrahimovic in Sweden Euro 2020 Squad

Jordan Larsson. (AFP)
Jordan Larsson. (AFP)

Sweden coach Janne Andersson has named Jordan Larsson, son of goalscoring great Henrik, to replace the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his 26-man squad for Euro 2020.

Ibrahimovic, who returned to international football in March following an absence of almost five years, injured his knee playing for AC Milan against Juventus earlier this month, opening a spot for the son of Ibrahimovic's former international strike partner.

Larsson did not make the squad for the last international break in March, with Andersson giving a blunt assessment of the situation.

"He wasn't with us in March because I didn't think he was good enough in March. I had four forwards and now one of them is gone in Zlatan, so I chose to bring in Jordan this time," he told a news conference announcing his squad.

The 23-year-old left-footer has scored 10 goals in 20 league appearances for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League this season to put himself in contention for the Euros, where the Swedes will face Spain, Slovakia and Poland in Group E.

The rest of Andersson's squad is a mix of young talent like 21-year-old Alexander Isak, who has scored 16 goals in La Liga for Real Sociedad this season, and older heads such as cult hero and captain Andreas Granqvist, who at 36 is being brought along for his leadership qualities, despite a string of recent injuries.

"I think we've got a strong squad, we have a squad that realizes what it has to do to be successful, how we have to be with each other, but also a squad that has produced younger players coming through now," midfielder Sebastian Larsson said.

"They've taken big roles in Europe in their teams, playing for big teams, doing really well. First of all, that's great and they are pushing the older players and the mix is very interesting," he added.



Barca Refuse to Dwell on Disappointing Draw, Says Flick

Real Betis' Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini (L) greets Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on April 5, 2025. (AFP)
Real Betis' Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini (L) greets Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on April 5, 2025. (AFP)
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Barca Refuse to Dwell on Disappointing Draw, Says Flick

Real Betis' Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini (L) greets Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on April 5, 2025. (AFP)
Real Betis' Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini (L) greets Barcelona's German coach Hans-Dieter Flick during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, on April 5, 2025. (AFP)

Barcelona missed the chance to extend their lead in the LaLiga standings after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis on Saturday, with their coach Hansi Flick saying they should move on following the disappointing result.

The draw moved Barca to 67 points, four ahead of rivals Real Madrid who slumped to a 2-1 defeat at home by Valencia earlier on Saturday, while Atletico are third on 57 points with eight games to go.

"We tried everything to win, but we couldn't do it," Flick told reporters. "We were unlucky in front of goal, but ... we played a good game.

"On days like today, when you don't manage to score, you have to accept it and see it from a positive perspective. I'm left with the fact that we tried everything and dominated the game."

Flick said that he thinks his team is looking great as they face the final stretch of a season in which they are bidding to win three titles.

As well as leading LaLiga, they are still in contention for the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles.

"We can be proud of what the players have done these last few games," Flick said.

"We are in the (Spanish Cup) final and, despite a draw, we have extended our lead on top. I'm happy, it's a fantastic situation."