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Liverpool's deadline day acquisition Alexander Isak is expected to begin on the substitutes' bench for Sweden in their FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday. This approach follows manager Jon Dahl Tomasson's pledge to carefully monitor the striker's condition after his transfer.
Isak emerged as Liverpool's concluding addition of the summer 2025 window, sealing a British-record switch from Newcastle United on Monday. It represented a move he was compelled to push for, as the 25-year-old boycotted pre-season training and the opening three Premier League fixtures of the new season in his bid to accelerate proceedings.
A shortage of match practice raises fitness concerns if the Reds' new No. 9 is reintroduced too hastily, particularly as this remains at the discretion of his international side during the September interval.
However, as pledged, Sweden appear to be exercising caution with Aftonbladet reporting that he will only feature from the bench, if utilised at all, in the Blue and Yellow's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Friday.
Instead, Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres and Newcastle United's Anthony Elanga - who typically operates as a winger - will commence as a striking partnership.
During the build-up, Sweden boss Dahl Tomasson had explained: "I saw him smiling, have you seen his face? 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.
"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."
Should Isak emerge from the international break without injury, he could potentially make his Liverpool bow under Arne Slot when they travel to Burnley on Sunday, September 14.
This would mark the beginning of a hectic period for the Reds as they launch their Champions League campaign against Atletico Madrid before hosting the season's first Merseyside derby, both at Anfield.
Elanga, who linked up with fellow Swede Isak at Newcastle this summer before the transfer drama intensified, has also addressed the circumstances.
He told Fotbollskanalen: "He had a contract with us and right now he's with Liverpool. But we all think he's a very good player. We've lost a good player. But we've also signed good players. Hopefully we can look ahead and focus on this season.
"It's his choice. He chose Liverpool. Best of luck. He is a friend of mine and a fantastic footballer. I get the opportunity to play with him in the national team and that is also good."
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