Alexander Isak has declared himself fit to play a full 90 minutes for Sweden as he builds up fitness following his £125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle United.
He missed Newcastle’s pre-season and start of the Premier League season, training alone all summer, and hasn’t played a full match since May 25.
Isak returned for Sweden during the last international break, playing 18 minutes against Kosovo, and has since made six appearances for Liverpool, starting three times, with a goal and an assist in 312 minutes.
While not yet at peak condition, he feels ready for the next step as Sweden host Switzerland in Friday’s World Cup qualifier.
“Tomorrow I’m ready for 90 minutes if needed,” he said at a pre-match press conference. “It’s been a month now.
“I’ve had a lot more playing time and things have calmed down. I feel in a much better position now than last time.”
“Of course you have that feeling,” he said when asked if he wants to play a decisive role for his country. “It automatically means you get a leading role.
“I’m starting to become one of the older ones. I want to be a leader and feel a responsibility, both on and off the field.
“There is pressure on us and high expectations, but that is common in football. We have the same ambitions as the Swedish people. Hopefully we can live up to the expectations.
“I hope that the people who are there believe in it and bring with them the positive energy that we will need to get that extra.
“It is important that we are all on the same track and help Sweden win.”
Read more: Marc Guehi opens up on Crystal Palace future after failed Liverpool move
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy makes Federico Chiesa admission
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson opens up on painful Anfield exit
