Mellberg excused by Sweden

Sweden have granted Mellberg permission to miss the game but still play for Villa in the local derby with West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday so that he can rest an Achilles injury.

A spokesman for Villa said: "This is Ollie's decision. He has been carrying an achilles injury and feels its the right time to rest it.

"Because next weeks game is a friendly the Swedish FA were more than happy to release him for us."