Stina Blackstenius left the national team's gathering suddenly, with multiple reports indicating she went home due to family reasons. She is expected to play with the captain's armband when Sweden faces Denmark in the World Cup qualifier. This development comes as the team prepares for a crucial fixture, with Blackstenius poised to take on a leadership role in a time of transition.
Kosovare Asllani has been the captain of the national team since Tony Gustavsson became head coach, but she has torn her cruciate ligament and is expected to be out for a long time. Asllani's injury has forced a reshuffle in the team's hierarchy, with Gustavsson needing to rely on other veterans to step up in her absence during a critical phase of World Cup qualifying.
I wouldn't have changed anything. It was completely right and I am very grateful that I got to do it.
Stina Blackstenius is the most experienced player with 126 international caps when Sweden is missing several experienced players, and she missed the match against Italy but returned in time for the meeting with Serbia. Her availability for recent matches underscores her importance to the team, especially in a period where key figures are sidelined.
Tony Gustavsson has previously explained that he has appointed a 'team captain' in each squad section who together form a captain's group. Sweden faces Denmark at Gamla Ullevi in the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday evening. This structure aims to foster collective responsibility amid Asllani's injury and Blackstenius's new duties.
It's super fun of course and I am very grateful for that trust this gathering. It just feels really fun.
Stina Blackstenius is the new captain of the national team for the upcoming match, stepping into a role that carries significant expectations. This context places Blackstenius at the forefront of Sweden's efforts to secure a World Cup berth, with her experience and recent form critical to navigating the challenges posed by injuries and absences.
I will just try to be who I am and the player I am. It won't change anything. Then I will try to take as much responsibility as I can and try to contribute to us winning the match.
When I got the question then absolutely. It is a great honor, then it assumes that I start the match but if that happens, I still feel ready. It feels very exciting to take on that task.
It is many who will need to take responsibility but it still feels secure in some way that we have that group. Everyone has their role there and then we get to help each other simply.
I found out about it a few days ago. It was also not something that I had thought about. But I have still been around for a long time now. It always feels big to get to play for Sweden. You are happy for every gathering and every international match.
Sometimes things happen outside of football that we cannot influence and then football can take a back seat. We are incredibly happy to get Stina back to the gathering.
It was for family reasons. It was the right decision for me to go home. I wouldn't have changed anything. It was completely right and I am very grateful that I got to do it. More than that maybe I won't say today.