Finland have called up FC Thun’s Ari Nyman and Halmstad BK’s Tim Sparv ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier in Wales on Saturday. Nyman replaces Veli Lampi, who withdrew from the squad after suffering a concussion in FC Zurich’s match against Young Boys Bern. Baxter has previously stated that he does not want under-21 players to leave their camp unless there is a clear role for them to play with the senior squad, so Sparv may well feature at some point against Wales.
Replacing him in the under-21 squad will be FC Lahti midfielder Eero Korte, and withdrawing from that squad is Sevilla striker Teemu Pukki, who has an ankle injury.
“It’s really bad news, but we were expecting it after our discussion on Friday,” said Finland under 21 coach Markku Kanerva. “The preliminary estimate is that he’ll be out for a few weeks.”
Korte has not played for the under-21s before, but Kanerva believes he will fit right in.
“Tim’s elevation to the full squad has opened up a spot for Eero Korte,” continued Kanerva. “Korte should have been involved with the squad before, but injuries have gotten in the way. Anyway, it’s great to see Tim with the Eagle Owls and Eero in La Manga.”
One more addition to the Finland Under 21 squad will be announced later today.
Albin Ekdal has withdrawn from the Sweden Under 21 squad, and will be replaced by Elmin Kurbegovic.
EDIT: The player called up to replace Pukki in the Finland under 21 squad is FC Honka striker Aleksandr Kokko.
Tue, Mar 24, 2009
Finland, Finnish National team