Image Credits: Imago Images
Alexander Isak remained an unused substitute as Sweden concluded their dismal World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Slovenia at home on Tuesday night, sparking concerns among Liverpool supporters about the striker’s fitness.
The 26-year-old forward has endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield since completing his British-record £125 million transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day in September.
. Isak has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the Reds and has only played 70 minutes or more twice under Arne Slot.
In mid-October, a groin injury forced him off at half-time during Liverpool’s Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, sidelining him for five matches.
In total, since signing for Liverpool on September 1, Isak has missed six of the club’s 14 games.
Tuesday’s clash with Slovenia presented a different challenge altogether.
With Sweden already eliminated from automatic qualification and guaranteed a spot in the World Cup play-offs in March courtesy of their Nations League success, Potter faced a precarious situation: nine of his players—including Isak—were one yellow card away from suspension.
Had Isak been booked against Slovenia, he would have been banned for Sweden’s one-legged play-off semi-final in March, a prospect Sweden were seemingly not willing to risk.
Head of the Men’s National Team Stefan Pettersson said to Sportsbladet that he asked for “some supplementary letters from Fifa and UEFA about these things” to “double check what it might say in them.”
“[It’s] not an ideal situation,” Petterson said. “You don’t want players who go on the pitch and can’t be aggressive. You’re not yourself then”.
With nothing riding on the match itself—Sweden finished bottom of Group B with just two points from six games—Potter prioritised Isak’s availability for the crucial play-off tie over giving him minutes in a dead rubber.
While Potter’s decision was understandable from a national team perspective, it represents a missed opportunity for Isak to build up his match fitness ahead of Liverpool’s return to action
The 26-year-old could have benefited from time on the pitch in Stockholm to regain sharpness.
READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano reveals chances of Antoine Semenyo January move
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.