Alexander Isak has been called up to represent Sweden in this summer’s World Cup, which is a blow to Liverpool’s pre-season preparations.
Isak has made only 26 appearances for club and country this season, with just 15 starts due to his disrupted 2025 summer and the broken leg he suffered at the end of last year.
The striker has, therefore, struggled with form and fitness this season, scoring only four goals – all at club level.
The summer and pre-season was seen as an opportunity for Isak to build his body back to peak conditioning ahead of 2026/27, but he has now been called up to represent Sweden.
Graham Potter’s side qualified for the World Cup via the playoffs in March, of which Isak played no part, and he named his final 26-man squad on Tuesday.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
On explaining the inclusion of Isak, which will be his first World Cup, Potter told reporters: “We hope he finishes the season with some game time.
“Our challenge is to get Alex into the best possible condition so he can hit top form, because if he does, he is a world-class player.”
Sweden’s World Cup campaign gets underway against Tunisia on June 15, before facing the Netherlands (June 20) and Japan (June 25) in Group F.
Why Alexander Isak’s call-up is a blow for Liverpool
Liverpool’s squad will be expected to return to the AXA Training Centre for the start of pre-season in the first week of July, up to six weeks after the final game of 2025/26.
Isak’s involvement in the World Cup means the earliest he will return to Liverpool will be July 17, should Sweden be knocked out at the group stage and if he is then given a three-week summer break.
This would see him return in time for the US pre-season tour and one month ahead of the season opener, but in what condition will be the biggest mystery.
While competitive fixtures could yet aid Isak’s bid to find top form, it also comes with the risk of further injury and conditioning that is outside the club’s control.
With another transition expected over the summer, Isak being able to hit the ground running to start the 2026/27 season is paramount, as Liverpool will still be without Hugo Ekitike.
The *Telegraph*‘s Dominic King suggests the club will not seek to find a ‘replacement’ for Ekitike, meaning Liverpool’s No. 9 will have the responsibility of leading a new-look attack.