7 hours ago
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Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has backed his choice to include Liverpool target Alexander Isak in his squad.
The 25-year-old's selection for upcoming games against Slovenia and Kosovo raised eyebrows, given he hasn't featured in a Premier League game for Newcastle this season. The Swedish striker has been at the heart of this summer's transfer speculation after making known his wish to leave St. James' Park for Anfield.
Nevertheless, the Magpies have remained resolute in their position that he isn't available for purchase, having already rejected an offer from Liverpool. Following his absence from Newcastle's preseason tour, Isak was left to train alone when Eddie Howe's squad returned to Tyneside.
The striker was conspicuously absent from Newcastle's side that endured a thrilling 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool.
Liverpool established a 2-0 lead at St. James' Park through Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, but goals from Bruno Guimaraes and Will Osula made it 2-2.
The Reds snatched all three points in the 100th minute of the game thanks to a goal from Rio Ngumoha.
Isak also sat out the season opener against Aston Villa, which finished goalless, while continuing to push for his departure from the club.
The former Blackburn boss, Dahl Tomasson, remained diplomatic regarding the circumstances surrounding one of his key attackers but lauded the striker's abilities.
"It is very difficult to have a clear opinion about the situation. We do not know what has happened in the club," he said.
"We must be very careful about drawing hasty conclusions when we do not have the whole picture. He is smart enough, he is smarter than me I think."
Tomasson added: "Alex is a very professional player, a strong character, and he has worked hard. He is a game changer.
"I have spoken to him several times; mentally, he is strong. What we have said stays between us, of course. Can he play 90 minutes? Of course not. Not at all."
Isak has a decent record at international level, scoring 16 goals in 52 senior appearances for Sweden. His selection for Sweden means he's agreed to play again, albeit not for Newcastle.
But it's his form in England that's really caught the eye; Isak has scored 62 goals in just 109 games since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad three years ago.
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