Jon Dahl Tomasson drops Isak selection hint for Monday after failing to appear in Sweden draw
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Sweden national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has included striker Alexander Isak in the 24-man squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo despite Isak's unsettled situation at club level and lack of recent game time. Isak, currently involved in a transfer saga as he seeks a move away from Newcastle United—where he has not played this season and has been training separately—remains a key figure for Sweden. Tomasson described Isak as a “game-changer” and “mentally strong,” emphasizing the striker’s importance to the national side.
Isak has expressed dissatisfaction with Newcastle publicly, revealing through social media that the club has broken promises regarding a potential transfer, fueling his desire to move, reportedly to Liverpool. Despite this, Tomasson highlighted Isak’s professionalism and willingness to be part of the squad, although he acknowledged the situation is “not perfect” and Isak has not trained with teammates recently. Tomasson also indicated that Isak will likely not play the full 90 minutes in both qualifiers due to his limited match fitness.
Isak joined Liverpool in a record-breaking transfer reportedly worth £125 million but did not start Sweden’s first qualifier against Slovenia, remaining on the bench. The Swedish attack for that match included other high-profile forwards who recently transferred to English clubs such as Viktor Gyökeres and Anthony Elanga.
The Swedish squad faces a difficult qualifying group, including top-seeded Switzerland, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with runners-up entering playoff rounds. Sweden also has a backup qualification route through their Nations League performance.
Despite the challenging club situation for Isak, Tomasson expressed confidence in his value to Sweden’s campaign and noted the importance of the World Cup to the striker. Isak is expected to join the national team in Stockholm ahead of the closing of the transfer window, reflecting the fluid situation around his club future.
PP