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Graham Potter has provided a positive injury update on Alexander Isak ahead of Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia.
The Liverpool striker has not played for the club since October 22 and only returned to training last week. He was named on the bench but remained an unused substitute in Sunday’s loss to Manchester City.
He was called up to the Sweden squad ahead of the City game, and Liverpool will invariably hope he can build some fitness before returning to the club next week. Judging by the comments made by Sweden head coach Graham Potter, Isak is expected to play a significant role over the upcoming games.
“Alexander is here. I’ve spoken briefly with him. He’s feeling well, has no issues,” the former West Ham United and Chelsea boss told Fotbollskanalen.
Isak’s fitness has been a recurring issue for Liverpool since his deadline-day arrival from Newcastle United.
The 26-year-old was essentially frozen out of the first-team picture by head coach Eddie Howe and made to train away from his teammates as Isak attempted to force through a move to Liverpool.
He arrived on Merseyside lacking fitness and was unable to play until the Reds’ Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on September 17.
Isak has yet to play 90 minutes since his record-breaking transfer and has not scored a Premier League goal for Liverpool.
He sustained a groin injury in the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt that kept him out of the last five matches prior to the international break.
Asked about Isak’s fitness levels before the defeat against City, Slot told Sky Sports: “For me, he is in the end stage of his rehab. Had two training sessions with us.
“Yes, we have trained, but not with the intensity that would have been best for Alex. He is there if he needs to help us.”
Meanwhile, the morale in the Sweden camp is unlikely to be high heading into its final fixtures of 2025.
Jon Dahl Tomasson was dismissed as head coach last month when Sweden’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup ended.
He has been replaced by Potter, who will look for a significant improvement against Switzerland and Slovenia after three successive losses.
Isak has scored 16 times for his country in 55 caps, but was used sparingly in the qualifying campaign given his fitness issues.
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