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Sweden's Svensson: 'Sad' to focus on Zlatan's potential inclusion for World Cup

Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello / Getty Images Sport / Getty

TORONTO - Ever since Sweden beat Italy in a two-legged playoff to punch its ticket to the 2018 World Cup, there's been a nagging question interfering with manager Janne Anderson's preparations for Russia: Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic be named in his squad?

The head of the Swedish Football Association, Lars Richt, announced in April that the LA Galaxy striker had not changed his mind over international retirement and will not feature in the World Cup. But this is Zlatan - a true footballing showman - and it's not difficult to imagine him making a grand introduction ahead of the competition, perhaps with a lion in tow.

Those are the kind of theatrics that could be disruptive to a World Cup campaign, and it's unlikely Ibrahimovic's arrival would be rapturously received by the Seattle Sounders' Swedish international, Gustav Svensson.

"It's a little bit sad that he gets a lot of attention when he might not go," Svensson told theScore following his MLS side's 2-1 win at Toronto FC on Wednesday. "I think that you could put the attention on other players like Emil Forsberg or someone that has been great for the national team during the qualification, and know that they will be great during the World Cup.

"So instead of putting the focus on someone who might not come, put all the attention on the guys who are actually going to be there and do the difference."

In addition to Forsberg, there are others who could shine in this widely written-off Swedish contingent. Defender Victor Lindelof has had a difficult initiation at Manchester United, but will look to showcase his intelligent distribution in a tough group comprising of Germany, Mexico, and South Korea. Viktor Claesson has enjoyed a productive season with Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, fashioning 10 goals and six assists as his side confirmed another continental journey next term.

(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

With such a hard-working and cohesive unit that defied the odds by besting Italy, would it be beneficial to potentially upset the formula by adding one of the most fearsome forwards on the planet?

"It's a very difficult question," Svensson responded. "He's obviously one of the best players in the world, so having him of course will make the team better, but at the same time he's a guy who takes a lot of attention.

"We are a group right now that fights very hard for each other and we made it without him so that's a good proof that we are good without him. It's hard to say if we are better or not with him."

Ibrahimovic, 36, began his MLS adventure in explosive form with the LA Galaxy, emerging from the bench to score twice and inspire a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over local rival Los Angeles FC at the end of March. He hasn't imposed himself in the same manner during the Galaxy's last three outings, however, tallying just one assist in a sobering run of defeats.

He expressed his anger at the situation after the second loss, which also marked a third straight reversal at StubHub Center.

"It's unacceptable, it's not OK, to lose three home games," Ibrahimovic complained. "This is the first time I lose three games in a row, so that is not only about me; it's a team effort. We need to do much more, that's for sure. We need to wake up."

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