Djurgården veteran returns from injury to fight for title

Piotr Johansson, a 31-year-old defender, has returned to Djurgården's starting lineup as a left-back despite never playing the position before, following a recent benching and a previous cruciate ligament injury. He helped secure two strong defensive performances, contributing to the team's push toward the title race. Johansson, who started every match earlier this season, was dropped after a 0-0 draw against Örgryte but regained his spot against Malmö due to Max Larsson's suspension. He emphasizes his "old school" defensive priority, stating he prefers a clean sheet over scoring, though he has contributed offensively this year. The injury in summer 2024 gave him perspective, and he acknowledges people likely wrote him off at age 30, but he feels in good form now. A win against Mjällby tonight would put Djurgården within one point of Hammarby in the standings, though Johansson stresses taking it match by match.