Hjalmar Ekdal - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Makes starting XI Ekdal is in the starting squad for Saturday's clash against Brighton, the club posted.

Impact Ekdal is back in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Brighton, marking his first start for the Clarets since Jan. 3 when he also faced the Seagulls in Premier League action. The defender had recently slipped out of the lineup after previously locking down a regular role earlier in the season, having started 13 of his 15 appearances before losing his spot in recent months. Across that stretch, he still delivered solid defensive production with 19 tackles, nine interceptions and 96 clearances, showing the kind of reliability and physical presence that keeps him firmly in the mix when called upon.

APRIL 11 • ROTOWIRE

Solid showing in defeat Ekdal registered four tackles (three won), 12 clearances and one interception in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace.

Impact After six games on the bench, Ekdal returned to the starting lineup in place of the reportedly injured Axel Tuanzebe. He put in a solid defensive performance despite the team's defeat, recording a season-high four tackles and 12 clearances.

DECEMBER 3, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

On bench Saturday Ekdal (eye) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against West Ham United.

Impact Ekdal was cleared to make the squad Saturday despite suffering a black eye and receiving stitches during training earlier in the week. The defender was named to the bench, marking a positive step forward after missing out on recent starts. His presence adds depth even if he's not fully fit to contribute from the opening whistle.

NOVEMBER 8, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Dealt black eye, should still play Ekdal suffered a cut and a black eye that required stitches, but is still expected to play Saturday against West Ham, according to manager Scott Parker, per Matt Scrafton of the Bu...

Impact Ekdal was dealt an injury in training Wednesday and will have some testing to pass ahead of Saturday's match, as the defender took a hit to his eye in training, requiring him to take a break due to stitches and a black eye. The good news is he still appears to be an option for the club, although his injury could limit him. He hasn't started in their past four games and will likely earn a bench spot if picked, only a loss of depth if he misses out.

NOVEMBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Misses due to tactical reasons Ekdal missed Sunday's 2-1 loss against Aston Villa due to tactical reasons, coach Scott Parker confirmed in a press conference, according to Burnley Express. "Yeah, he's fine. It w...

Impact Ekdal started the first six games of the season in the Premier League but missed Sunday's defeat against Aston Villa due to tactical reasons. Coach Scott Parker wanted to bring in Axel Tuanzebe to add more presence in duels, and the Swedish defender was ultimately left out of the match squad for that reason. It remains uncertain if he will be included in the next match squad after the break.

OCTOBER 6, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Missing Sunday Ekdal was absent from Sunday's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa due to undisclosed reasons.

Impact Ekdal has hit the sidelines this week for the club's final outing before the international break, missing out despite no prior reports of an injury. Initial thoughts may be that he left for the international break a day early, away from his club for their match before the two-week break. He is a regular starter, so this was a tough loss, with Axel Tuanzebe taking his spot Sunday. The hope will be that his absence was only due to a minor injury or not for an injury at all, with the club resuming play Oct. 18 against Leeds United.

OCTOBER 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Liverpool Ekdal (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Liverpool.

Impact Ekdal has made his way back from an injury after he was dealing with some issues over the international break, with the defender immediately earning the start in the club's return to play. He is a regular starter in the defense for the club and has yet to miss a start this season, likely to continue seeing time in this role.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Should be available Sunday Ekdal (undisclosed) should be available for Sunday's clash against Liverpool, coach Scott Parker said in the press conference. "All players have come back fit and healthy from the...

Impact Ekdal was forced off in the game against Kosovo due to an injury that revealed to be minor since he should be back available for Sunday's clash against the Reds. This is good news for the Clarets since Ekdal is an undisputed starter in the backline and will likely return instantly in the starting XI on Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Forced off injured Ekdal (undisclosed) was forced off injured in Monday's 2-0 defeat against Kosovo, according to Sports Dunia.

Impact Ekdal was forced off in the 66th minute of Monday's defeat against Kosovo due to an apparent injury. The center-back of the Clarets will likely be assessed in the coming days to know the extent of his injury and if he has to miss some time when back in England. That said, if the injury proves to be significant, this would be a big blow for Burnley since Ekdal has been an undisputed starter in the backline and his absence would force a change, with Joe Worrall likely stepping in while he is out.

SEPTEMBER 9, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Integral to clean sheet Ekdal had one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Sunderland.

Impact Ekdal led the Burnley clean sheet effort Saturday with 10 clearances as they held Sunderland at bay in a 2-0 home victory. In addition to clearing his lines, the central defender contributed two tackles (one won), one interception and one block across his 90 minutes of play. After spending the Clarets' Championship promotion season on loan, Ekdal has seemingly carved himself out a role in the Burnley defensive ranks for the 2025-2026 season, having played the full 90 minutes in each of Burnley's first two league fixtures.

AUGUST 25, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starting in friendly Ekdal got the start during Saturday's friendly clash with Stoke City.

Impact Ekdal missed the opening half of the 2024/25 campaign due to a knee injury, and then when he was fit he was sent on loan to FC Gronigen. He impressed on loan, and has seemingly pushed for a spot in the Burnley first team. Ekdal made eight appearances (five starts) the last time Burnley were in the top flight in 2023/24.

AUGUST 5, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Taken off due to fatigue Ekdal was taken off the field in Saturday's match due to fatigue, as assistant manager Craig Bellamy stated, "He's fine though. It's just that he hasn't played the games over the p...

Impact Ekdal does not appear to be holding any type of injury despite the slight concerns when he limped off the field Saturday, as the club confirmed it was only fatigue. This does make sense, as the defender applied a heavy press on the Brighton attackers all match but has only played seven contests this season, not being seasoned for a full 90 minutes at the moment. However, after his magnificent display before coming off, he may have earned himself more time on the pitch as the season nears an end.

APRIL 15, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Leaves field injured Ekdal was forced off in the 66th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton due to an apparent injury.

Impact Ekdal's day ended early Saturday as he was taken off the field due to an apparent injury. It is still unknown what the injury is, how serious it is and when he will return, but luckily, his absence won't be the biggest loss if he does miss time, only appearing in a match seven times all season. The club will hope his problems are only minor, as they would like to keep the depth available, but regardless of his status next week, expect Dara O'Shea to get the start in Ekdal's place after serving his suspension.

APRIL 13, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Makes starting XI Ekdal (strain) is in the starting XI for Friday's match against Luton Town.

Impact Ekdal is back in the mix for Luton after a four-match absence due to a strain, making the starting XI against Luton on Friday. This is only the player's fourth game on the season, as he has dealt with multiple injuries throughout the campaign. He has started once in his three appearances when available this season, so he may hold a rotational spot moving forward, getting starts here and there in the defense depending on other player's availability.

JANUARY 12, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with strain Ekdal has been dealing with a knock and has been unavailable for Burnley for the last three matches, per the Burnley Express.

Impact Ekdal recently returned from his long term knee injury, appearing in three matches before returning to the injured list again. The defender will likely keep a bench role if he continues top struggle with fitness.

DECEMBER 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available for EPL debut Ekdal (knee) is in the squad to face West Ham on Saturday.

Impact Ekdal returns from a knee injury which has kept him out of the entire season to this point. The defender is available for his EPL debut having made nine appearances in the Championship last season.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Getting time with youth team Ekdal (knee) played 60 minutes with the U21 side as he continues to work back to fitness.

Impact Ekdal is still waiting to make his season debut after playing with the youth team. He only started and played the nine appearances during the EFL last campaign as the defender should only be a depth option once he returns to the squad.

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Hoping to return after break Ekdal (knee) is targeting a return after the international break, according to manager Vincent Kompany. "Ekdal is slowly getting there. I can't tell you whether he's going to be fi...

Impact Ekdal has missed more than two months with a knee injury that required him to be stretchered off during an EFL Cup clash with Nottingham Forest. The defender might not even be fit to return after the international break, which is certainly a concerning development. Ekdal has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set to be sidelined multiple weeks Ekdal (undisclosed) will miss Monday's match against Nottingham Forest and possibly even more time, according to manager Vincent Kompany.

Impact Ekdal is set to miss multiple weeks with an undisclosed injury after being stretchered off the field in an EFL Cup match against Nottingham. A timetable for his injury is still uncertain, but based on manager Vincent Kompnay's quotes, he will be missing more than just this one match. This injury shouldn't affect Burnley too much in the Premier League, as he is yet to register a minute this season.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Stretchered off Ekdal had to be stretchered off during the second half of Wednesday's EFL Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.

Impact Ekdal's injury was clearly serious as he was stretchered off with his head in his hands. While the exact injury is unclear it occurred after a clash in the box from a corner kick. Ekdal was making his first appearance of 2023-24, and was replaced by Josh Cullen.

AUGUST 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Burnley sign Sweden defender Ekdal Burnley have confirmed the signing of Swedish centre-back Hjalmar Ekdal from Djurgardens IF. The 24-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half ye...

JANUARY 21, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

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