Credit: Imago and THYNK REACTS

Daniel Davis

Mon 23 March 2026 12:00, UK

Aston Villa have caused concern in Sweden after Victor Lindelof was not selected for the 2-0 victory against West Ham United on Sunday.

Lindelof was not named in Unai Emery’s matchday squad at Villa Park despite starting – and impressing – in the Europa League win against Lille just three days prior.

He was called up by national team boss Graham Potter for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on Thursday, and his absence has sounded alarm bells in his homeland.

This is despite Emery insisting post-match that Lindelof was simply left out because of a tactical decision, saying: “More players joined us and it is about balance in the squad.”

In the end, Villa cruised to all three points in B6, with Lindelof watching on from a distance. However, the 31-year-old clearly still has a crucial role to play for the rest of the season.

Swedish press react to Victor Lindelof absence

The reaction in Sweden has been rather more downbeat.

Indeed, Fotbollskanalen described his surprise absence as “unusual”, especially with Sweden next in action only four days after Villa’s fixture.

According to Aftonbladet, Villa did not communicate any specific reason behind Lindelof’s absence to Sweden, though Emery’s explanation is now public record.

The experienced centre-back has started two of four international matches since Potter was appointed, and he will have a point to prove against Ukraine in the make-or-break play-off.

Following the 1-0 defeat by Kosovo last October, Lindelof gave a sarcastic thumbs up to booing supporters, before issuing an apology to them several weeks later.

Fortunately for Villa, his stint in the Midlands has been smooth sailing, so much so that Lindelof will be knocking on Emery’s door to demand more minutes.

Lindelof deserves better at Villa

Lindelof certainly deserved more than being ruthlessly dropped against West Ham.

Admittedly, the veteran looked like an underwhelming signing after joining as a free agent in the summer, but he has impressed when given opportunities this season.

While he enjoyed a run of matches in the Premier League, Emery appears unwilling to trust Lindelof week in and week out, preferring to use him in the Europa League instead.

But Lindelof has proven himself at the top level for both Manchester United and Villa and hasn’t put a foot wrong at Villa Park, with his calmness an invaluable steadying presence.

Emery would do well to start him more and would surely reap the rewards.