Sweden boss Janne Andersson has spoken of his frustration at not being able to select Carl Starfelt for their upcoming fixtures.
The Swedes are set to take on Mexico and Algeria in two friendlies to prepare themselves for next year’s UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying.
However, Celtic have put a blanket ban on allowing any players to be released for international duty if they are not heading to the World Cup in Qatar.
This international break has not been made official by FIFA allowing the Scottish champions to retain all their players much to the frustration of international bosses.
“It’s very strange from FIFA. We have five players who are not allowed to leave their clubs for our friendlies. FIFA have decided that only countries that qualify for the World Cup have to release players,” said Janne andersson as quoted by football scotland.
“It is not punishment enough that we missed the World Cup? I cannot understand how they have thought this through because there is no logic in it at all. We are completely in the hands of the clubs.”
Ange Postecoglou wants to keep some consistency and rhythm in his team and has already spoken about how important it will be to keep the core of the squad as they head to Sydney to take on Everton and Sydney FC.
This indicates that the Hoops will be fielding very strong elevens for the matches down under with a few regulars heading off to the World Cup including Aaron Mooy, Daizen Maeda, Josip Juranovic and likely Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Starfelt picked up an injury while on international duty for Sweden at the end of the season and unfortunately missed all of Celtic’s pre-season as well as the first few league fixtures.
He returned from injury for a short spell, but once again had to sit out for a period after being subbed off in the 4-0 derby victory over Rangers.
The former Rubin Kazan defender returned from the sidelines after missing 12 matches last week in the Hoops final Champions League match of the season at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu and will be looking to break back into the first team.
