Alexander Isak has been included in the Sweden squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers and his national team boss has given an update on the Liverpool striker
Alexander Isak looks on during the warm up before a World Cup qualifier between Slovenia and Sweden
Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak remains unable to feature in two matches per week, Sweden manager Graham Potter has revealed. The Liverpool forward has experienced a challenging beginning to his Anfield career following his big-money transfer from Newcastle.
Isak missed pre-season with the Magpies after opting to train alone as he tried to force through the move to Anfield - and has therefore required time to adapt to his new surroundings. The striker has made only six starts across all competitions for Liverpool, finding the net on one occasion.
Despite his current form, the 26 year old received a call-up from Graham Potter for Sweden's latest squad. When questioned about the player, the ex-Chelsea and West Ham manager has confirmed that Isak cannot yet handle two complete matches in quick succession.
During a press conference, Potter said: "He's had a good week, he's available. But we have to be smart with him because he's been out for a while.
"He's not ready to play two matches for 90 minutes. We have to wait and see until tomorrow," reports the Mirror.
When asked whether Isak had discussed his tough opening months as a Liverpool player, Potter replied: "He's like anybody in terms of the Swedish national team. He's frustrated with the results we've had.
"That's clear as I've said. But all I've found here is a group of players that really want to do better, that are frustrated in terms of results-wise where they're at. They're just desperate to do well for their country and there's a real feeling for that."
Isak and his Swedish team face a crucial international break in the coming week as they strive to salvage their disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign. Currently, they are languishing in fourth place in their group after suffering three losses in four matches.
To have any hope of participating in the tournament, they must secure victories against Switzerland and Slovenia in their upcoming matches. Isak hasn't found the back of the net for his country in his last three appearances.
He will also be eager to regain his form for Liverpool in their next match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield the following weekend.
Commenting on the forward's situation, ex-Liverpool star Don Hutchinson remarked: "Totally his own fault. He should have been professional, done his pre-season properly with Newcastle. It was only ever going to be one of two outcomes.
"One, he goes to Liverpool and is 100% first, ready to play; two, he stays at Newcastle and is ready to play."