Sweden free Freddie

Ljungberg had been named in Sweden's squad to face Croatia in a friendly next week, but has now been told that he will not be expected to play in Stockholm.

National coaches Tommy Soderberg and Lars Lagerback had originally named him in the party but have taken note of Arsenal's hectic run-in and acted in his best interests.

"I am grateful the coaches have released me from this game because of Arsenal's very tough program directly after the friendly in Stockholm," said Ljungberg.

"We are looking to repeat last year's Double and I must concentrate on just Arsenal's games

"After the games with Arsenal I am looking forward to Sweden's Euro 2004 qualifiers against San Marino and Poland at the beginning of June."

Arsene Wenger's Gunners have four vital Premiership games and an FA Cup final coming up, and Ljungberg will be relieved he does not have fit in an international match amongst them.

Soderback says that they were happy to leave out Ljungberg and would be looking for him to make a mark on his comeback in the summer.

"This is in the best interests of both Ljungberg and the national team," said Soderberg.

"And now I hope we will have a fresh and hungry Ljungberg in the Euro 2004 qualifiers instead."