Alexander Isak was reportedly training separately for some Sweden training session’s last week but has now opened up on his fitness.
There had been some concern around Alexander Isak and his fitness last week after reports suggested he was training separately during parts of Sweden’s preparations.
For Liverpool supporters keeping a close eye, any hint of a fitness issue was always likely to grab attention.
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Those worries have now eased somewhat after Isak addressed the situation himself and made it clear he is feeling good physically.
That will be a major boost for Sweden, who need their leading attacking players available and firing with the group finely poised heading into tonight’s showdown with Japan.
Sweden head into that contest knowing just how important the result could be for their hopes in Group F. They are sitting just a point behind both Japan and the Netherlands, which leaves everything still to play for.
The Newcastle striker certainly did his part in Sweden’s last outing, producing a huge display in the 5-1 win over Tunisia. Isak scored twice and also provided an assist.
Now speaking to Swedish press as quoted by the Sweden Herald, the Liverpool No.9 made it clear he is feeling sharp ahead of the crunch showdown vs Japan:
“Now I feel good, very good. But it’s hard to put your finger on what your maximum is, you never know. But I have nothing to complain about right now when it comes to my physical status.”
“Club team and national team are two very separate things. When I joined the national team, I had absolutely no thoughts about anything other than Sweden and the World Cup,” Isak explained.
“It’s clear that it’s nice to have a good World Cup, and you want to do it even better all the time. I feel like I’m in a good place now. And hopefully I can continue to do well.”
He added on his relationship with Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres:
“It’s felt good. It’s worked well in the matches. It’s clear that you’re a bit more of a playmaker, playing others forward instead of being the one making the deep runs yourself. But I’m enjoying it there.”
“We are two talented players who want the best for the team. We get along really well, just like the whole team,” the 26-year-old explained.
If he is able to carry that same sharpness and confidence into the clash with Japan, Sweden will fancy their chances of taking a massive step toward the knockout rounds.