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Graham Potter has confirmed that Alexander Isak will not be in Sweden's starting lineup against Switzerland on Saturday following his recent comeback from injury. The Liverpool forward has been absent with a groin problem since being withdrawn at the interval during the Reds' 5-1 demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
The 26-year-old was ruled out of four fixtures before making his way back into Arne Slot's matchday selection for Liverpool's journey to Manchester City. Nevertheless, he remained on the bench throughout as the Reds suffered a disappointing 3-0 reverse.
Isak received his Sweden call-up for the November international window ahead of last weekend's defeat at the Etihad.
Whilst he has been deemed fit enough to represent his country in their latest World Cup qualifying fixture, Potter has stated that he doesn't consider Isak prepared to start following his injury comeback.
"He's not ready to play two 90-minute games in four days, so we have to be smart and use him well," Potter said at his pre-match press conference. "No, he is not ready to start.
"I don't want to talk too much about details or the starting eleven, but I think the best thing for Alex is to help us from the bench.
"He's had a good week. He's not ready for 90 minutes, but you'll have to wait and see tomorrow."
Isak has experienced a challenging beginning to his Liverpool journey after completing his move to the Reds in a British record transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day. The striker was absent from the Magpies' entire pre-season programme and the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign as he effectively went on strike and trained in isolation whilst pushing for a departure.
Having required time to reach match fitness as a consequence, the forward has managed just one goal from his initial eight outings since arriving at Anfield.
Following his recent groin problem, Slot urged supporters to remain patient with Isak ahead of the striker's comeback to training.
"I know I said three weeks ago his pre-season ended, so now we have to see where he is," Slot said.
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"If you are three weeks only with the rehab that doesn't bring him back to the levels he was three weeks ago. You cannot compare rehab with games of football or training with the team. So, again I have to say give him some time."
Subsequently, Slot clarified his choice to only include Isak amongst the substitutes against Man City as he acknowledged the striker wasn't prepared for a complete comeback.
"For me, he is in the end stage of his rehab," he told Sky Sports ahead of kick-off. "Had two training sessions with us.
"Yes, we have trained, but not with the intensity that would have been best for Alex. He is there if he needs to help us."
With Isak appearing destined for a bench role for Sweden against Switzerland, both club and nation are maintaining a cautious approach with the forward following his fragmented season thus far.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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