Ex-Man Utd star, 22, left out of international squad after ‘skipping team dinner and refusing to answer calls’
FORMER Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga has been left out of Sweden’s squad after skipping a team dinner and failing to answer the manager’s phone calls, according to reports.
The Nottingham Forest winger, 22, spent last month’s international games against Slovakia and Estonia warming the bench as an unused substitute.
It is then understood he did himself no favours with his actions after the final game.
According to Football Channel, he was the only player in the squad who failed to show up for the team dinner following their 3-0 win over Estonia.
Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson was asked during a press conference whether Elanga missing the meal was a sign of him being angry.
To which ex-AC Milan and Blackburn striker Tomasson told Sportbladet: “I don’t know. You can ask Anthony yourself if he was angry or not. I don’t know.”
Pressed on why Elanga was not at the dinner, the Sweden manager added: “I don’t think I’m the right person to ask that. It’s better to ask him.”
Another press conference on Monday saw Tomasson quizzed about the matter again.
When asked about if he had spoken to Elanga, he said: “No, he hasn’t called me. Not yet.
“I tried to call him but we haven’t been able to connect. But I’m sure we’ll get in touch before the next game.
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“There is a long time to go until then.”
Tomasson went on to describe Elanga’s behaviour as “strange” but admits there is “nothing we can change”.
Elanga has assisted two goals in 11 Premier League appearances for Forest so far this season, but is yet to get on the scoresheet.
Nuno Espirito Santo‘s men are flying high in fifth despite a 3-1 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday.
At international level, Elanga already has 19 caps for Sweden and has scored three goals.
Sweden sit top of Group C1 after four of six Nations League matches and will secure promotion to League B with a win at home to Slovakia on Saturday.