The ex-Newcastle hero has struggled since he controversially quit the club for Liverpool
SOLNA, SWEDEN - OCTOBER 10: Alexander Isak of Sweden reacts after a missed chance during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Sweden and Switzerland at Strawberry Arena on October 10, 2025 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
(Image: Michael Campanella, Getty Images)
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Former Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak admits he has been left frustrated by his latest injury setback and his lack of progress since his British record transfer move to Liverpool.
The Sweden international controversially quit the Magpies in the summer, going on strike and refusing to play in pre-season in a bid to force through a transfer to Anfield.
The striker finally got his way with the two clubs eventually agreeing a £130m deal on deadline day, but Isak's Liverpool career has yet to fully take off. Hampered by a lack of fitness due to his own actions in the summer, he has struggled for goals - netting just once in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton.
The striker was then sustained a groin injury last month after he was forced off at half-time in the Reds’ 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. He went on to miss Liverpool’s next four matches before being left as an unused substitute in the Reds’ 3-0 loss to Man City prior to the November international break.
Isak linked up with Sweden and eventually made his comeback in their World Cup qualifier as a 62nd-minute substitute in their 4-1 defeat at Switzerland. Newcastle's Anthony Elanga started the game and provided an assist for the Sweden goal.
Isak, however, struggled to make an impression but says he is 'positive' about his fitness and ability to find form after his injury.
“It was about half an hour. It felt okay,” he told Sportbladet. “I feel like the reaction was good after the match in my body. Hopefully I can play properly in the next match (against Slovenia on Tuesday).
"It's always frustrating when you're injured. Regardless of whether it's one match or more. It's always worst for the player himself.
“It hasn't been optimal. But when I'm on the field, I don't give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform.
“But yes, it's hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I'm back and I'm positive. There's not much that's easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things.
“That's how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way.”
Isak's comments came on the same weekend that former Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley riled some of the fanbase with her claims about the forward. Speaking at the Conor Benn vs Chris Eubank Jr boxing fight on Saturday, she was glowing in her praise for the controversial forward.
"We love Alex and we know he's going to do really well at Liverpool," Staveley said. "He's a great player - Liverpool have got an extraordinary player, but equally so, it's great to see the [Newcastle] forwards doing so well and Newcastle performing really well."
Meanwhile, Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed in his own post-match press conference that he intends to give Isak a longer run-out against Slovenia following his return from injury.
"The plan was for Isak to play 30 minutes," he said. "It wasn't an easy position in the game to get into.
“Hopefully, we'll see more of him on Tuesday. The plan is for him to play more against Slovenia."