Alexander Isak misfires in first appearance since Liverpool transfer as Sweden shocked by Kosovo
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The British-record signing missed two big chances and was booked in an 18 minute cameo
In the fray: Alexander Isak drew a blank against Kosovo
REUTERS
Arthur Ferridgejust now
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Alexander Isak drew a blank in his first competitive appearance since signing for Liverpool as Sweden fell to a shock 2-0 defeat in Kosovo.
The Swede made an acrimonious British-record transfer from Newcastle to Anfield on Deadline Day after refusing to train throughout pre-season.
The rust was evident as he made his return to competitive action on Monday, touching the pitch for the first time since May.
It was an ignominious comeback at Kosovo’s Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri.
Isak missed out on a spot in the starting XI as Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson opted for a strike partnership of Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga.
Sweden sit 66 steps above Kosovo in FIFA’s world rankings but trailed 2-0 at half-time after Augsburg’s Elvis Rexhbecaj and Mallorca’s Vedat Muriqi both got the better of Robin Olsen on the break.
Isak was thrown into the mix with less than 20 minutes remaining, replacing Elanga as Tomasson made a desperate attempt to rescue a point.
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But, even after Kosovo were reduced to ten men in injury time, he could not help mastermind a turnaround.
Sweden were improved after the £125million man’s introduction and he was responsible for two of Blågult’s four shots on target, but could not find the back of the net.
According to FotMob, he squandered two big chances, failing to capitalise on the 0.26xG he generated.
Isak was also booked shortly after his introduction, compounding a difficult return to the pitch.
Gyokeres was similarly unimpressive.
He mustered just two shots, only one of which was on target, in an anonymous 90 minutes.
The result is a blow for Sweden’s World Cup 2026 qualification hopes.
He could make his Liverpool debut on Sunday as the Premier League champions visit Turf Moor to face Scott Parker’s Burnley.
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