Image Credits: Imago Images
Alexander Isak’s World Cup campaign could hardly have started better.
The Liverpool striker was at the heart of Sweden’s 6-1 win over Tunisia, leading the line with real authority and reminding everyone why he is viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting forwards.
He scored Sweden’s second goal and also managed to bag two assists.
That is why alarm bells rang when reports emerged that Isak had stepped away from the main group and was instead working on an individual programme in the days after the game.
Given his recent history of fitness setbacks, any deviation from full training naturally sparked fears of a fresh problem.
However, the Swedish FA have now moved to calm any concerns that the 26-year-old has a serious issue.
“Everyone is training and there are no injuries,” said press officer Petra Thoren as quoted by Fotbollskanelen this Friday.
When quizzed on whether “Alexander Isak is going to train at full speed”, Thoren said:
“Everyone is training and the plan is that everyone is training at full speed. Yesterday there was training three days after the game and then towards the end there was a small individual set-up. Today they go into the preparations for the next match. Then the plan is for everyone to participate.”
That next test could hardly be bigger: a World Cup clash against the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday at the Houston Stadium.
Liverpool fans’ eyes will be on a potential duel between Isak and Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk.
For Sweden, keeping Isak as close to peak condition as possible is crucial; his movement in behind and ability to hold the ball up will be key weapons against a Netherlands side expected to dominate possession.
However, his club campaign featured limited involvement, with just 13 starts in 22 appearances during the past 2025/26 campaign.