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The Swedish national team's social media channels have hinted that Alexander Isak is poised to make his season debut.
The last time the forward was seen in action was in May, prior to his move to Liverpool. Isak's final appearance for Newcastle took place on that day, during the last round of Premier League games from the previous season.
He started preseason nursing a thigh injury and then voluntarily stepped away as he sought to persuade his former club to approve his transfer to Liverpool. By the time all the pieces fell into place on deadline day last week, the striker had missed an entire summer training programme and the first three games of the new season.
However, Reds fans have been tipped off that Isak could see his first action of the season on Monday, when Sweden head to Pristina to take on Kosovo in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Social media accounts associated with the Scandinavian country's soccer team shared a photo of a beaming Isak in training ahead of the match. The caption read: "MD-1 (smiling face emoji)," along with the date and time of the game.
Isak was included among the substitutes for his nation's opening qualifier against Slovenia. Despite the opposition securing a late equaliser, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson opted not to bring him on to salvage the situation.
The Sweden manager had previously stated the team's commitment to protecting Isak's long-term fitness. Communication has taken place with Liverpool to ensure the 25-year-old can start delivering the performances expected for both his new club and his country.
"He is so happy to be here, he is so happy to play, so I think that tells you a lot. He really likes being in a group," Tomasson explained.
"Of course, his form is what I said the other day, normally in pre-season you play plenty of games, plenty of training but that is not the case. So is he able to play 90 minutes? Of course not.
"Are we going to do stupid things with Alex? No, we are not going to do stupid things with Alex. So we, of course, have a plan but he is smiling and he is happy to be here.
"No instruction (from Liverpool), we always have good connections with a lot of clubs, I have spoken to the manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor.
"Our physio Ben (Rosen) has spoken to their physio and the physical department at Liverpool. And normal communication we have with each club, it is quite honest."
Isak could make his first appearance for Liverpool when the team faces Burnley right after the international break on Sunday.
His Anfield debut could be in either the opening UEFA Champions League match of the season against Atletico Madrid on September 17 or the inaugural Merseyside derby of the season against Everton on September 20.
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