Liverpool star Alexander Isak won't feature during the rest of the international break, having withdrawn from the Sweden squad due to injury.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid
Alexander Isak withdrew from Sweden's squad with an injury(Image: (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images))
Sweden head coach Graham Potter has confirmed that Alexander Isak has suffered a thigh injury that forced the Liverpool star to withdraw from the squad early in the international break.
It followed the nation's 2-1 victory over Romania, with the striker scoring the opening goal to continue his fine form for both club and country.
There were concerns about Isak's availability shortly after, however, as the forward was spotted with a bloodied foot in the mixed zone after the game, following a heavy stamp by an opposition player. The 27-year-old downplayed the concerns about his foot, despite the pain he was in, but it turns out that his eventual withdrawal was due to a muscular concern instead.
Potter, who now manages Sweden after spells with Chelsea, West Ham, and Brighton in the Premier League, was asked about the early exit of Isak ahead of his side's clash with Poland.
Speaking to the media via Sportbladet, he said: "He has a small problem with his thigh. It's not a big one, but considering the number of games we have in a small space of time, he's not going to make those.
"Not a big one, but it's frustrating for him and obviously for us, especially with Hjalmar [Ekdal] as well. So it is what it is, we move forward with the players we have."
Since then, Isak has returned to Liverpool to be assessed by the club's medical team, who will gain a clearer idea of the extent of the injury and how long he could be out of action.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring a goal for Sweden
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring a goal for Sweden(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The verdict from Potter certainly suggests that the next few weeks of recovery time for the striker will help him get close to returning for the Reds.
With an extended international break, there are still two weeks until Liverpool is back in action, with Manchester City being the next opponent for Andoni Iraola and his players.
Isak will need to be protected by the manager throughout the season, particularly during the first half of the campaign, given the general lack of natural central strikers in the squad at his disposal.
Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury, which will likely see him return around the New Year, means that some unorthodox replacements may be needed to help cover for Isak as the busy fixture schedule kicks in.
It remains to be seen what will follow for the Swedish international, who now has two weeks to recover in time for a return to action for Liverpool, but there could be a nervous wait surrounding his fitness as the Man City match draws closer.