Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was an unused substitute as Sweden drew 1-1 with Slovenia on Tuesday night
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - NOVEMBER 18: Swedish player Alexander Isak (9) is seen on the bench during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group B match between Sweden and Slovenia at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 18, 2025. (Photo by Atila Altuntas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak seen on the bench during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group B match between Sweden and Slovenia at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm
View Image
Alexander Isak was an unused substitute for Sweden as they drew 1-1 with Slovenia on Tuesday amid fears of a suspension for March's World Cup play-off tie. The Liverpool striker had returned to action on Saturday after nearly a month out with a groin injury.
Isak came on as a second-half substitute but was unable to stop Graham Potter's side from losing 4-1 to Switzerland. It had then been expected the Reds frontman would feature more prominently against Slovenia.
As a result of Saturday's defeat, however, it meant Tuesday's game, at the Strawberry Arena in Solna, was a dead-rubber, which saw the decision taken to leave out Isak over fears that a caution would rule him out of next year's play-off.
Stefan Pettersson, who works alongside former Chelsea, West Ham and Brighton boss Potter in the Sweden set-up, confirmed the Liverpool No.9 was left out to ensure he was not suspended for the crucial clash next year.
"We receive some supplementary letters from FIFA and UEFA about these things," Petterrson said. "I want to double check what it might say in them. Before the next game, we will know with 100% certainty what applies. There is no panic about it now.
"That could be the case (that Isak and some Sweden players were at risk of suspension). It certainly can (affect team selection).
"But it is Graham who makes the final decisions when it comes to the team selection. But it is clear that it can have an impact."
“The situation with the yellow cards, injuries to players, it's not an ideal situation," Potter added. "You don't want players who go on the pitch and can't be aggressive. You're not yourself then.
"We have learned a lot. We are trying to lay a foundation, find stability and balance. Hopefully, we don't have to remind the players in March about how we play. It's already a little bit in my memory from this week.
"Anything can happen in March. We know we have to beat two good teams to advance (to the World Cup).
"They are good teams all four, but if we can get our best players back in good shape, then."
It means Isak returns to the AXA Training Centre having featured for 28 minutes of a possible 180 for his national side over the course of the international break.
The 26-year-old hasn't played for the Reds since limping out of the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22 at half-time.
But, after being an unused substitute in the 3-0 loss at Manchester City on October 9, he is in contention for a recall when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
The £125m forward, who joined Liverpool on September 1 from Newcastle United, has scored one goal since his move, against Southampton in the Carabao Cup over two months ago.