Alexander Isak is finally back playing again after his Newcastle United exile, but the Liverpool striker’s comeback has not really gone to plan.
The 25-year-old has been in the Sweden squad for their opening two World Cup qualifiers, having spent the majority of the summer training on his own at Newcastle United.
That got him the move he wanted, with Isak joining Liverpool for £125million.
The way Isak went about his business has massively hurt Eddie Howe’s side, and now it has hurt his country too.
Alexander Isak celebrates with his teammates from the bench as Sweden score against Slovenia.
Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images
Alexander Isak hurts Sweden’s World Cup dream
Without Isak, Newcastle failed to win any of their opening three Premier League games. Had he featured, the Magpies would arguably have enjoyed a perfect start to the campaign.
Alas, they are 17th in the table with just two points on the board.
That is no longer Isak’s problem, with Liverpool sitting pretty with three wins out of three.
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However, the striker should be concerned about his international prospects. Due to his disgraceful actions this summer, he was not deemed fit enough to start either of Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers over the past week.
Without him in the starting XI, they drew with Slovenia and lost to Kosovo. It has been a rotten start to their qualifying campaign, as they attempt to make it to the World Cup. It is vital that they do, having missed three of the last four tournaments.
Isak’s match fitness problem has hindered his country, who have four more games to turn things around. Two of those will be against group leaders Switzerland.
Not having their best player in their starting lineup has hurt them, as Isak’s actions continue to have repercussions.
Anthony Elanga unable to inspire Sweden as Alexander Isak sits on the bench
With Isak only deemed fit enough for the bench, Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga was asked to play as a central striker.
He did the same on Friday night as Sweden drew with Slovenia. Elanga scored for Sweden that night, but was nowhere near as impactful on Monday.
Elanga was criticised for his performance, before being replaced by Isak in the 72nd minute.
The most important thing for Newcastle United is that Elanga returns to Tyneside injury free, as he prepares for a busy run of games in black and white. That starts on Saturday against Wolves, with Barcelona heading to St James’ Park a few days later.