Alexander Isak is set to play for the first time since May when Sweden face Slovenia and Kosovo next month, which could be a boost if Liverpool sign him.
Isak has not featured in any capacity for Newcastle since their 1-0 loss to Everton on the final day of last season, nor was he included in Sweden’s friendlies in June.
That means that if he does make a proposed British record transfer to Liverpool before the window closes on Monday evening, he would arrive at Anfield short of match fitness.
The situation could be aided however by his involvement with Sweden in the upcoming international break.
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has included the 25-year-old in his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia (Sept 5) and Kosovo (Sept 8).
It is unlikely he will have done so without the intention of using him, either, with Isak expected to play in at least one of those two fixtures.
SEVILLE, SPAIN - JUNE 14: Alexander Isak of Sweden runs at Aymeric Laporte of Spain during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group E match between Spain and Sweden at the La Cartuja Stadium on June 14, 2021 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
If he were to complete a move to Liverpool it may be seen as more beneficial for the striker to spend the international break integrating at his new club, but the opportunity for competitive minutes could prove useful.
There is a concern that a similar situation to that of Federico Chiesa last season could develop given Isak has exiled himself from Newcastle‘s first-team setup.
After opting out of their pre-season tour of Asia with a thigh complaint he instead headed to the facilities of former club Real Sociedad, while he has since continued to train separately from his teammates back on Tyneside.
Last summer saw Chiesa frozen out of Juventus’ senior squad and left to train with the reserves, and he arrived at Liverpool at the end of the transfer window desperately short of fitness.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Federico Chiesa is challenged by Newcastle United's Dan Burn during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Only now is the Italian striker deemed fit enough to play a regular part in Arne Slot‘s plans, coming off the bench against Bournemouth and Newcastle so far this season.
Of course, Isak is already established in the high-intensity football of the Premier League and therefore the circumstances are not entirely the same.
Liverpool are yet to receive encouragement to make an improved bid for the Swede regardless, having seen an initial £110 million rejected on August 1.
But with Newcastle making progress in a deal for Wolves‘ Jorgen Strand Larsen and also hopeful of signing Brentford‘s Yoane Wissa, there is a sense that could soon change.