Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has revealed Alexander Isak’s current fitness struggles.
Liverpool finally ended a bitter summer transfer saga by completing the £125million signing of Isak on deadline day.
He was the headline arrival in a hectic summer for Liverpool, who spent a staggering £450m on new players.
Isak enjoyed a prolific campaign at Newcastle last season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions and finishing second to Mohamed Salah in the Premier League Golden Boot race.
However, while he eventually secured his dream move to Anfield, the manner of his departure has left him short of sharpness.
The 25-year-old effectively went on strike at Newcastle, refusing to play until his transfer request was granted.
He was made to train alone and was excluded from the Magpies’ pre-season tour, which has hindered his match fitness.
Although called up by Sweden for their World Cup qualifiers during the international break, Isak was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday night.
Tomasson instead started Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres alongside Newcastle’s £55m summer signing Anthony Elanga, later explaining that Isak was never in contention to feature due to his lack of fitness.
“We would have loved to play him, everyone would want it,” the Sweden boss explained.
“But since he only had three training sessions and no pre-season and of course no match time, the risk was too great to use him today.”
Asked if Isak could play against Kosovo on Monday, Tomasson replied: “Hopefully, hopefully, as a game changer.
“But we have to do the right things with him, in the long and short term.”
Read more: Eddie Howe admits Alexander Isak saga tested Newcastle squad
Anthony Elanga opens up on Alexander Isak Liverpool move
Six Liverpool players featured in international action on Thursday evening
