Alexander Isak was an unused substitute for Sweden in their 1-1 draw 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
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Alexander Isak remained on the bench for Sweden as they secured a 1-1 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night as the 'cost of doing business' with Newcastle United so late in the transfer was again highlighted to Liverpool.
The former Magpies striker had made his comeback on Saturday following nearly four weeks on the sidelines with a groin problem. However, he couldn't prevent Sweden from suffering a 4-1 defeat to Switzerland in their World Cup qualifier.
New Sweden manager Graham Potter had hinted that Isak would be handed a more prominent role against Slovenia on Tuesday. However, Saturday's loss meant Tuesday's fixture at the Strawberry Arena in Solna had become meaningless, leading to the choice to omit Isak due to concerns that a booking would sideline him for next year's play-off.
Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga had already returned back to the North East after being allowed to leave the squad due to 'personal issues'.
Stefan Pettersson, who serves alongside former Chelsea, West Ham and Brighton manager Potter within the Sweden coaching structure, confirmed Isak was excluded to guarantee his availability for the vital encounter 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.."
This means Isak heads back to Liverpool after playing just 28 minutes out of a potential 180 for his country during the international break.
The 26-year-old hasn't turned out for the Reds since hobbling off at half-time during the 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22. Liverpool boss Arne Slot had hoped he would pick up some vital match sharpness before Nottingham Forest make the trip to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
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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Legendary Liverpool striker John Aldridge had talked about the player getting some match action for the Swedes as he bemoaned the lateness of the transfer deal after Isak had gone on strike, meaning he hadn't completed a proper pre-season.
“It feels like we have been saying the same thing over the last three international breaks,” Aldridge said of Isak’s situation. “Hopefully he can get some significant time on the pitch [with Sweden] that will help him when he returns to club level. It has been frustrating for all concerned.
“But we know why that is, it has been well documented he didn’t get any sort of pre-season. That has been the cost of doing business, but Arne Slot will be the first to say he has signed for six years not six weeks. Hopefully he can return on the right foot in time for that Nottingham Forest game this weekend.”
The £125m striker, who made the switch to Liverpool from Newcastle United on September 1, has managed just one goal since his arrival, netting against Southampton in the Carabao Cup more than two months ago.