5 hours ago
3
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has declared himself fully fit and ready to play a full match for Sweden this week, with the Reds ace having been building up his sharpness for the last month or so.
Arne Slot has been very careful with the former Newcastle United man after his $169 million (£125 million) transfer move went through on deadline day. Having missed pretty much the whole of the summer as he attempted to force through an exit, Isak has been playing catch-up when it comes to his readiness to play.
However, Isak believes that process is now over and he is ready to play 90 minutes for his country this week. Liverpool returns to Premier League action in 10 days against Manchester United.
"Tomorrow I’m ready for 90 minutes if needed. It’s been a month now," he said today, via Fotbollskanalen.
"I’ve had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than the last time [Sweden played]."
Isak was also asked about how he is settling in at Liverpool. "[It is a ] great team and a city where the team has a good relationship with the fans," he said.
While Isak believes he is ready to play a full match, Sweden will continue to be very cautious with him. It faces games with Switzerland and Kosovo in World Cup qualifying.
"That’s also a reason why we couldn’t play him so much last month," his national team manager Jan Dahl Tomasson said earlier this week on the risk of injury during the previous break, when Isak sat out one game and came off the bench in the other.
"We need a good Isak this month and next month. That’s how we plan, while Liverpool have done really well. I think Alexander is a good example in terms of how Liverpool have handled him in an excellent way.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
"I'm just happy that Liverpool are doing the same thing I would have done. You can see what Newcastle did with Yoane Wissa, who came in instead of Isak.
"He played international matches with Congo straight away and is now injured. He is still injured.
"That's also a reason why we couldn't play him so much last month. We need a good Isak this month and next month. That's how we plan, while Liverpool have done really well."
Liverpool.com says: Isak is looking sharper but both his club and his country will continue to be careful. Neither needs to look very short-term with his situation; in the long run, taking care will be the best route.
English (US) ·