Alexander Isak fitness update emerges from Sweden

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Image Credits: Imago Images

Alexander Isak faces significant match fitness challenges ahead of his Liverpool debut, having not played a competitive minute since Newcastle’s final match against Everton on May 26, 2025.

The Swedish striker’s extended absence stems from his protracted transfer saga with Newcastle, which saw him excluded from the Magpies’ pre-season preparations and he spent the summer training alone at his former club Real Sociedad and Newcastle’s training ground

This international break with Sweden has been Isak’s first opportunity to train alongside teammates since the conclusion of last season.

The timing of this international break could prove beneficial for Liverpool, allowing Isak to gradually build match sharpness with Sweden before his anticipated Anfield debut against Burnley on September 14.

Speaking ahead of Sweden’s clash vs Slovakia this evening, manager Jon Dahl Tomasson asserted that they would not do “stupid” things regarding Isak and his fitness:

“I saw him smiling, have you seen his face.

He is so happy to be here, he is so happy to play, so I think that tells you a lot?

He really likes being in a group,” Tomasson said.

“Of course his form is what I said the other day, normally in pre-season you play plenty of games, plenty of training but that is not the case?

Of course not.”

“Are we going to do stupid things with Alex?

No, we are not going to do stupid things with Alex

So we, of course, have a plan but he is smiling and he is happy to be here.”

And it looks like the Swedish boss is keeping his word.

Swedish outlet Aftonbladet has reported that Isak is almost certain to start from the bench against Slovakia, and won’t be risked with how little competitive action he’s seen in recent months.

They report:

“According to information to Sportbladet, the coach has made his choice before the match.”

“Alexander Isak starts on the bench.”

Instead, the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Anthony Elanga are set to lead the line this evening.

READ MORE: German media react to Florian Wirtz performance vs Slovakia

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