Sweden coach Janne Andersson has dismissed concern over Robin Olsen, after the Aston Villa goalkeeper missed training while on international duty.
The 33-year-old has been limited to just four appearances so far this season, but as chief support behind Emiliano Martinez and the only other senior option available to Unai Emery, it’s crucial that he remains a reliable presence on the bench for us.
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In turn, there was concern after it was reported that he had missed training while with the Swedish national team this week, but his coach has played down the severity of the issue despite calling up reinforcements in the goalkeeper department.
“We took Jacob [Zetterstrom] in. Robin Olsen is rehabbing today and tomorrow. That’s why Jacob joins and trains with us. As for Robin, there are wide margins. I’m not worried about Monday but he should take it easy these first few days,” he said, as per Aftonbladet.
Sweden face Belgium in a European Championships qualifier on Monday, and so based on Andersson’s comments above, Olsen is expected to feature in that game.
While question marks are still raised by some over Olsen’s ability to be a reliable option in Martinez’s absence, it’s important that Villa avoid further injury setbacks having suffered with several key individuals missing time already this season.
Our early exit from the Carabao Cup will limit the experienced Swedish stalwart’s involvement further, but Martinez will likely need to be rested at times over the course of the campaign, and we’ll need a healthy Olsen to be at his best to do a job and cover for him.
It’s hoped that if he does indeed go on to feature for Sweden on Monday that he doesn’t aggravate the issue which has caused him to miss training, and that he’ll be available on the bench if needed when we take on West Ham Utd on October 22.
