Picked: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has been named in the Sweden squad for their World Cup qualifiers next week - despite being on strike at Newcastle.
Isak is currently refusing to play for Newcastle as he looks to force through a move to Liverpool before Monday’s transfer deadline.
The striker said earlier this month that promises have been “broken” by Newcastle and “the relationship can’t continue”.
Liverpool have failed with one bid, believed to be in the region of £110million, and are reportedly considering a second.
Isak has not played a minute of football for Newcastle this season and is training away from the group as he waits for a resolution.
But the 25-year-old’s lack of action did not stop Sweden from naming him in their squad on Wednesday morning.
Sweden begin their World Cup qualifiers next week, taking on Slovenia and Kosovo, with Isak named in the squad for those games.
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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres is also in the squad, as is Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Isak’s Newcastle team-mate, Anthony Elanga.
Sweden have been drawn in a qualifying group for next year’s World Cup along with Slovenia, Kosovo and Switzerland.
The top side from the group will advance to the World Cup, with the second-placed team going into the play-offs.