Image Credits: Imago Images
Alexander Isak played football for the first time in almost a month after recovering from a groin injury.
It was Graham Potter’s first game in charge of Sweden, but there was no new manager bounce in sight as Sweden slumped to a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland.
That defeat is the latest chapter in what has been a torrid World Cup qualifying campaign for Sweden as they sit rock bottom of their group, despite boasting two of the most expensive strikers in the game right now in Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak.
Alexander Isak has not been able to perform for Sweden in the way he would’ve liked as he continues to undergo a rocky start to the new season.
Liverpool’s new No.9 replaced Mattias Svanberg in the 62nd minute with the scoreline 2-1 at the time.
Unfortunately Isak could do little to turn the game around, as Dan Ndoye and Johan Manzambi added two further goals to send Sweden tumbling to their fourth defeat in five World Cup qualifying games.
Swedish media outlet Fotbollskanalen gave their opinion on Isak’s thirty minute cameo, describing him as “looking eager to play” but “it didn’t lead to any major opportunities being created.”
Alexander Isak completed nine of the ten passes he attempted in the game and won both of his duels.
The Liverpool striker had thirteen touches, with one in the penalty area, but failed to attempt a shot on goal during his half an hour on the pitch.
After the game, Alexander Isak reflected on his start to the season, and his eagerness to get back into form and playing regularly.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen, he said: “It has obviously been frustrating. It’s never fun to be injured.”
“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.”
“I feel like my body was good after the match and hopefully I can play the next match properly.”
Defeat to Switzerland means it will be highly unlikely that we see Alexander Isak in next year’s World Cup, with the only route for Sweden to that tournament now being via the play-offs.
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