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Alexander Isak has been left out of Sweden's lineup for its final World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, despite him indicating he was ready to start following his recent injury.
The striker made his return from injury on Saturday as he came off the bench in Sweden’s 4-1 defeat to Switzerland. Isak had been out for almost a month after being forced off during Liverpool’s Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt in October.
The 26-year-old was named in the Reds’ squad against Manchester City ahead of the international break, having been seen back in training in the days leading up to the game, although he wasn’t risked by Arne Slot at the Etihad Stadium.
He will have to wait for his chance with his national side again though, having been named on the bench for Sweden's final qualifier. There is nothing riding on the game for either side, with Sweden having picked up just one point from its five games so far.
Isak has struggled to gain full fitness since completing his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool on deadline day of the summer transfer window.
He effectively went on strike at former club Newcastle in order to force through the move to Anfield, meaning he missed out on pre-season training with the club, and had to be eased into life with the Reds.
His place in Liverpool’s side has been questioned as a result of his injury issue and his early form for the club, having scored just one goal in his eight appearances so far.
His return from injury will come as a boost to Slot, with Liverpool back in action in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
But having been deemed to be not yet ready to start by Sweden boss Graham Potter, Slot will have to continue to be careful with Isak, which may affect any plans he had on pairing him with Hugo Ekitike again.
Isak has spoken out about his frustrations recently amid his injury lay-off, and suggested he was ready to start against Slovenia.
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"It's great to be able to play," Isak said at the weekend, via Expressen. "I've been away for a few weeks. It's been frustrating, of course. It's never fun to be injured.
"It's probably most frustrating for the player himself, when you feel like you can't be there and have an impact. So it's been frustrating. But I'm trying to be positive. Now I'm healthy.
"I think I should be able to be available for the start [on Tuesday]. Then we'll see what all the other parties think. But it feels good. I feel ready."
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