Alexander Isak‘s first season at Liverpool was besieged by injury, leading to “a scary experience” after his leg break in December.
Isak dominated headlines last summer after forcing his way out of Newcastle and landing at Liverpool in a record £125 million move.
The striker had a compromised pre-season after predominantly training alone, leading to a stagnated start at Anfield before injury curtailed any hopes of having an influence.
A groin injury preceded his broken leg, before further groin issues closed out his season. That did not stop a call-up for Sweden’s World Cup squad, though.
Speaking while on national duty, via Fotboll Skanalen, Isak repeatedly noted the challenge of his injury-hit campaign, which included a “scary” first surgery on his leg.
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's Alexander Isak lies injured after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It was a pain, it wasn’t fun,” the 26-year-old said of his December leg break. “I’ve had some muscle injuries before, but this was my first surgery. A bit of a scary experience.”
Isak’s surgery corrected an ankle injury that also included a fibula fracture, forcing him to miss 22 games, taking his total matches missed in his first season to 28.
“It has been a challenge with a lot of rehab,” Isak said of his campaign. “It’s the most boring thing in football. Doing a lot of it is not fun.”
Alexander Isak insists he will be ready for World Cup opener
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Alexander Isak of Sweden poses for a photograph with their Heineken "Star of the Match" award after the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Sweden and Slovakia at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 18, 2021 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Joosep Martinson - UEFA)
Since the end of April, Isak has played just 23 minutes of competitive football, off the bench against Chelsea, but he is confident he will be ready for his side’s World Cup opener.
“Absolutely, I’m fine,” he said when asked about the Tunisia game on June 15. “I’ve had some injury concerns as you know.
“The most important thing is that I’m in good shape for the World Cup premiere. There’s a little while left so I can work on that.”
LFC 2026 World Cup Call-Ups
Country Player(s) Group
Argentina Mac Allister J
Brazil Alisson C
Egypt Salah G
France Konate I
Germany Wirtz E
Japan Endo F
Netherlands Van Dijk, Gakpo, Gravenberch F
Scotland Robertson C
Sweden Isak F
Before their tournament gets underway, Sweden face Norway (June 1) and Greece (June 4), friendly fixtures that Isak expects to feature in.
On his availability, he said: “Absolutely. I think so. I think I will play in both games. Then it remains to be seen how much.”
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.
When Alexander Isak will report back for Liverpool pre-season
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.
The international tournament could aid his need to find top form and fitness, but it also comes with the risk of re-injury when Liverpool are already without Hugo Ekitike until 2027.
Isak played just 1,033 minutes for the Reds this season, scoring just four goals.