Alexander Isak played his first game in almost a month after returning from a groin injury, but could do nothing to keep Sweden from another miserable defeat.
Isak came off the bench as Sweden lost 4-1 to Switzerland on Saturday night, having not featured since coming off at half-time in Liverpool’s 5-1 win at Frankfurt on October 22.
The No. 9 replaced Mattias Svanberg with 62 minutes on the clock in Lancy, with the scoreline only 2-1 and head coach Graham Potter hoping for a timely intervention.
Unfortunately Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi added two further goals for Switzerland to consign Sweden to a 4-1 defeat – their fourth in five World Cup qualifying games.
How did Isak perform for Sweden?
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Alexander Isak of Sweden is closed down by Lubomir Satka of Slovakia during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Sweden and Slovakia at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 18, 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo - UEFA)
Isak came on to partner goalscorer Benjamin Nygren up front in Potter’s 4-4-2 setup and according to Fotbollskanalen “looked eager to play” but “it didn’t lead to any major opportunities being created.”
Per FotMob, the Liverpool striker had 13 touches – one in the penalty area – but failed to attempt a single shot on goal in his half-hour on the pitch.
He did, however, create a chance – which midfielder Besfort Zeneli arrowed wide of the goal from 18 yards – and was efficient in his use of the ball, completing nine of his 10 passes.
Isak won both of his duels, with two out of two aerials won, as well as making one recovery and one defensive contribution – a tackle high up on the left flank.
What did Isak reveal about his fitness?
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JUNE 28: Victor Lindeloef and Alexander Isak of Sweden look on during the Sweden Training Session ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Round of 16 match between Sweden and Ukraine at Hampden Park on June 28, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Jan Kruger - UEFA)
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen after the game, Isak reflected on the frustration of his latest setback but said he expects to start in Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia.
“It has obviously been frustrating. It’s never fun to be injured,” he explained.
“It’s probably most frustrating for the player himself when you feel like you can’t be there and have an impact. But I try to be positive and now I’m healthy.”
He added: “I feel like my body was good after the match and hopefully I can play the next match properly.”
What do Sweden need to do to qualify for the World Cup?
SEVILLE, SPAIN - JUNE 14: Alexander Isak of Sweden runs at Aymeric Laporte of Spain 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/UEFA via Getty Images)
Defeat to Switzerland means the only way Sweden can still reach the 2026 World Cup is via the playoffs – which they have qualified for through their performance in the UEFA Nations League.
They join Northern Ireland and Romania as three of the four sides to advance to the UEFA bracket of playoffs using this method – along with the 12 group runners-up, so far including Albania and the Czech Republic.
The 16 teams will be drawn into four separate paths, with one-leg semi-finals then leading to finals determining the four teams to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
If Isak is booked in next week’s clash with Slovenia he will be suspended for the semi-final in March.