Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been called up for Sweden’s upcoming internationals despite missing the Reds’ last two victories through injury.
Former Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter, now in charge of the Swedish national team, made the bold decision to include the talismanic forward in his first squad since taking the job.
Isak, 26, suffered a groin injury during the first half of Liverpool’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last month and has been sidelined ever since.
He will now join up with Sweden as they conclude their World Cup qualification campaign, facing Switzerland before finishing their group stage at home to Slovenia.
It has been a disappointing qualification run for Sweden, who sit bottom of their group with just one point.
Their recent 1-0 defeat to Kosovo brought an end to Jon Dahl Tomasson’s tenure, paving the way for Potter’s appointment.
Liverpool used the international break to step up Isak’s recovery after an injury-disrupted pre-season.
However, after making back-to-back starts against Manchester United and Frankfurt, the striker broke down again and missed recent fixtures against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, as well as the defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.
Potter has offered some optimism about Isak’s condition ahead of Sweden’s final two qualifiers, news that could boost the forward’s chances of featuring for Liverpool when they return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest after the international break.
“As things stand right now, they are available. Alex can hopefully play a bit this weekend and will be in Spain on Monday,” he said.
Alexander Isak has endured a slow start to life at Anfield, scoring just once in all competitions since being gradually introduced into competitive action.
His struggles have stood in stark contrast to fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike, who has hit the ground running with an impressive start to his Liverpool career.
Arne Slot’s side, however, appear to be finding their rhythm again following back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid.
On Sunday, they face a crucial title-race clash against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City as they look to close the gap on leaders Arsenal.
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