Isak was left on the bench for Sweden due to lack of match fitness
Alexander Isak signs for Liverpool FC at AXA Training Centre. (Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Alexander Isak may be set to face a wait before he makes his Liverpool debut, after Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson admitted ‘the risk was too great’ to include the striker in his team for a crucial World Cup qualifying clash in Slovenia on Friday night.
Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres led the forward line for Sweden in a game that finished 2-2, but Isak was not considered to be fit enough to take any part in the qualifier after failing to play in a competitive match since the end of last season following his transfer stand-off with Newcastle.
“We would have loved to play him, 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,” stated former Newcastle player Tomasson.
Asked if Isak could play against Kosovo on Monday, he added: “Hopefully, hopefully. We have to do the right things with him. In the long and short term.
“He’s smiling. Have you seen his face? He’s so happy to be here. That tells you a lot about how much he really likes being in a group.
“We are not going to do stupid things with him, but we have a plan.
“Normally in pre-season you have plenty of training and plenty of games. This is not the case with Alex.
“He is a game changer. But can he play 90 minutes? Of course not.”
Isak admitted in his first interview after sealing his £125m move to Liverpool that he would need time to regain match fitness, with a start in next weekend’s away game at Burnley looking unlikely.
“I’ve had a tricky summer where I haven’t played any games and I’ve had restricted training,” said Isak.
“So, I think that’s one to judge and to analyse where I am at and how much I am ready to give. But I certainly want to play as soon as possible. I don’t know when I will be ready.
“I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my team-mates and the fans, and getting back out there.”