Alexander Isak has been named in the Sweden squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, despite the striker currently training alone at Newcastle
17:32, 27 Aug 2025
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is set to make his football return
Alexander Isak is poised to make a comeback next week after being selected for Sweden's World Cup qualifying matches against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Currently training solo, Isak was absent from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, making it clear he's got his sights set on Liverpool. Newcastle knocked back a whopping £110million bid from the Reds, holding out for a cool £150m for Isak.
The striker stirred the pot last week, accusing Newcastle of not keeping their word. Top brass at the club held talks with Isak on Monday in a bid to smooth things over, but the 25-year-old stuck to his guns, insisting he wants to join Liverpool and has no plans to play for Newcastle again.
Despite Isak's lack of match action, Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has called him up for their upcoming qualifiers. Sweden are due to take on Slovenia on September 5, followed by Kosovo on September 8.
Isak will be rubbing shoulders with other Premier League big names in the squad, including Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall and fellow Newcastle player Anthony Elanga, reports the Mirror.
Alexander Isak who is facing showdown talks with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after returning to Tyneside.
Alexander Isak and Newcastle had showdown talks(Image: PA)
When quizzed about his decision to pick Isak, Tomasson conceded the ongoing drama is "not perfect". He said: "I am very happy that Alexander Isak wants to be in the squad, he is a huge player.
"The situation he is in is not perfect and he has not trained with the team. But he is a player who can decide matches and he wants to be part of our squad, the World Cup is important for Alexander Isak."
Isak's future remains up in the air with the transfer window closing in less than a week. Following Newcastle's thrilling 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Monday, Toon manager Eddie Howe stated: "I've not been party to talks on this for a long time now.
Isak
Alexander Isak will make his return for Sweden(Image: Getty Images)
"So, I've been preparing the team, giving all my energy to the players that want to play for Newcastle. I think that's where my energy is best.
"I'm not party to the talks that have been happening, so I've got no idea where that stands.
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"From our side, we want clarity, we want to move forward. We want the narrative to change because we're in the start of the season now, we're into the action and we've got to get results and we've got to try and focus on what we can control."