Alexander Isak has missed the last four games for Liverpool with a groin injury, but his call-up to the Sweden squad comes with hope he can play vs. Man City on Sunday.
Isak was substituted at half-time in Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22 and has missed the last four games in all competitions.
He was not involved in training in the buildup to Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid, however he was then named in Graham Potter’s first squad as Sweden head coach.
That comes with Potter hopeful over Isak’s involvement when Liverpool visit Man City in the Premier League on Sunday evening.
“Alex is not ready to play 90 minutes in two games in four days. But he is available and I look forward to meeting him,” he told reporters per Fotbollskanalen.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - JUNE 14: Viktor Claesson of Sweden replaces team mates Alexander Isak during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Spain and Sweden at the La Cartuja Stadium on June 14, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago - UEFA)
“We will see this weekend. Hopefully he can play against Manchester City and be with us [for our training camp] in Malaga.”
Sweden play Switzerland (Nov 15) and Slovenia (Nov 18) in two crucial World Cup qualifiers and the suggestion is that Isak should at least be able to play a small part in those fixtures.
Coming off the bench against Man City would boost his chances of doing so, with Potter clearly eager to call upon his talents given Viktor Gyokeres is ruled out.
What has Arne Slot said about Isak’s injury?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 19, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak walks past head coach Arne Slot after being substituted during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield. Man Utd won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Arne Slot has already ruled Isak out of starting contention at the Etihad, but speaking to reporters before the victory over Real Madrid said it was possible he could make the squad.
“With Alex, we have to wait and see. Definitely not starting on Sunday, but maybe he can be involved in the squad,” he explained.
“But he is still not training with the team, so we have to wait and see.”
Liverpool have now won back-to-back games after a run of six defeats in seven, and that came after Slot made 10 changes for the Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last week.
Defending his selection for that 3-0 loss, Slot specifically noted the risks he took with Isak and his latest injury.
“The last time I played a player that we thought was ready for that programme, but it turned out maybe he wasn’t, was Alexander Isak and he went out with an injury,” he said.
“Last time [in this competition] we played Southampton, Giovanni Leoni went out with an injury in a game like this and we got a red card for Hugo Ekitike.
“I think in this moment in time, with only 15 or 16 players available, it felt to me that this was the right decision and I haven’t changed my opinion about that after the result.”
Slot will provide another update on Isak and the likes of Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong in his pre-match press conference at 9am on Friday.
Ekitike is almost certain to start up front against Man City, but Liverpool also have Federico Chiesa available if the Frenchman needs a rest.