Alexander Isak has withdrawn from the Sweden squad because of injury and returned to Liverpool for further assessment
Alexander Isak before a Sweden match
Alexander Isak before a Sweden match(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak has withdrawn from the Sweden squad, with the striker returning to Liverpool for further assessment after suffering a 'minor injury' while away on international duty.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an eye-catching start to the season, scoring four goals from his first six starts for the Reds. And he continued that form into the international break after netting in Sweden's Nations League opener against Romania as they recorded a 2-1 win.
However, the forward picked up an injury in the game, with Liverpool now confirming he will return to the AXA Training Centre for further assessment after pulling out of the Sweden squad.
An official club statement read: “Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury.
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“The striker will not be involved in Sweden’s three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.
“The Reds’ season resumes when Manchester City visit Anfield on Sunday October 11.”
Isak suffered a toe injury against Romania, as he still completed 90 minutes, after being on the receiving end of a stamp in the second half, with his foot visually bloodied in a picture shared by Sportbladet, as he played down fears about the setback when walking through the mixed zone.
“It was a real blow,” he told reporters. “You can see it. It was a real punch. Those of you who have played may know that it takes a few minutes before it releases, but it was okay.”
Sweden head coach Graham Potter had previously suggested that he intended to start Isak in all four matches during the expanded September/October international break.
"It's not about rotating for the sake of rotating, as we want to win the games and try to play with our strongest team in every game," he said ahead of facing Romania.
"Alex has played a lot of games lately, is in a good place and as I know him he wants to start games, but we need to see how everyone is, how they react and recover.
"Can Isak start every game? Potentially yes. But there's no chance (he will) play all the minutes."
Now, Isak will now miss Sweden’s clashes Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and return meeting with Romania after returning to Liverpool.
The Reds return to action against Man City next month. Should Isak miss out, Cody Gakpo and Lewis Koumas would be Iraola's only alternative options to start upfront with Hugo Ekitike a long-term absentee and Federico Chiesa sidelined since the end of pre-season because of injury.