Alexander Isak will represent Sweden at the World Cup this summer, but Vladimir Smicer is "worried" about him finding proper match sharpness again for Liverpool
09:00, 13 Jun 2026
Alexander Isak during a Sweden training session.
Alexander Isak during a Sweden training session.(Image: Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)
Vladimir Smicer says he is "worried" about Alexander Isak playing for Sweden this summer, with the Liverpool man needing to get back up to full speed ahead of the new club season.
Isak is set to be a key man for Graham Potter's side, who will play Tunisia on Monday. They are in the same group as the Netherlands and Japan, meaning the Liverpool striker will come up against Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, but not Wataru Endo, who has pulled out of the tournament through injury.
But Smicer says Isak would be better having a full summer to get up to a proper fitness level ahead of the next Premier League campaign following an injury-disrupted first season at Anfield.
"To be honest, I'd prefer if Isak wasn't playing in the World Cup," Smicer told Casinostugan.
"He should have two or three weeks of rest after the season and then start a six-week preparation for next season. I think that's what he was missing this season: being fit for Liverpool. Even when he came back, he injured himself again.
"It was a catch-up season for him. He probably had a little rest after the season and then started his training camp with Sweden before the World Cup.
SOLNA, SWEDEN - JUNE 4: Alexander Isak of Sweden during the international friendly match between Sweden and Greece at Strawberry Arena on June 4, 2026 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak will be in action for Sweden during the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
"Maybe the training camp helps him a little bit, but I don't think he'll be a hundred per cent fit for the World Cup.
"The advantage is that he'd be fresh because his body is not tired, but I don't know if his body is ready for a hundred per cent effort. I hope so, but I don't believe it.
"From a Liverpool perspective, I’d prefer Sweden to go out quickly. Then he can have a rest and join the Liverpool training camp before the season.
"On the other hand, I would like to see him scoring goals because I still believe we bought the right player and he will score many goals for Liverpool.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
Article continues below
"I'm not sure about his fitness and I hope he will not get injured in the World Cup. I pray he will be okay and have a good World Cup for his confidence.
"It's difficult because all the players going far in the World Cup won't have a lot of pre-season training sessions, which is a worry. They won't have a lot of pre-season training sessions, so that's a little bit worrying."
Liverpool.com says: Sweden is unlikely to be at the World Cup for long, even if it gets out of the group. Isak playing is no bad thing, and there will be more than enough time to get fit after his holidays under Andoni Iraola.