Alexander Isak has been forced to leave the Sweden squad and will return to Liverpool.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match be
Alexander Isak is returning to Liverpool earlier than expected. (Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has been sent home from the Sweden squad, with the striker heading back to Liverpool for further assessment following a minor injury sustained while on international duty. The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to the campaign, finding the net four times in his opening six appearances for the Reds.
He carried that excellent form into the international break, scoring in Sweden's Nations League curtain-raiser against Romania during their 2-1 victory. However, the forward sustained an injury during the match, with Liverpool now confirming he will return to the AXA Training Centre to be evaluated after withdrawing from the Sweden squad.
An official club statement read: "Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury.
"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."
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Isak sustained a toe injury against Romania despite completing the full 90 minutes after being stamped on in the second half, with his foot visibly bloodied in an image published by Sportbladet. He downplayed concerns regarding the knock when speaking in the mixed zone.
"It was a real blow," Isak said. "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."
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring a goal for Sweden
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring a goal for Sweden (Image: Getty Images)
However, Swedish outlets are claiming that Isak has also suffered an injury to his thigh.
Sweden head coach Graham Potter had previously indicated his intention to field Isak in all four fixtures during the extended September/October international window.
"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 shared ahead of the Romania fixture.
"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."
Isak will now be absent for Sweden's encounters with Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the return fixture against Romania, following his return to Liverpool.
The Reds resume their campaign against Manchester City next month. Should Isak be ruled out, Cody Gakpo and Lewis Koumas would represent Iraola's sole alternative options to lead the attack, with Hugo Ekitike facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and Federico Chiesa unavailable since the end of pre-season due to injury.