Sweden coach gives Alexander Isak update as he makes fitness ‘risk’ admission ahead of Liverpool debut

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Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has explained why he didn’t bring Alexander Isak off the bench in Friday’s 2-2 draw against Slovenia.

The Scandinavian side twice took the lead in Lubjiana via Anthony Elanga and Yasin Ayari, but were pegged back on both occasions.

Despite being named in the matchday squad against Slovenia, the ex-Newcastle United man was not introduced, a decision Tomasson explained post-match was to ensure Isak was not physically overexerted.

“He had only done three training sessions with the team

No pre-season with the team and of course no playing time,” the former Denmark forward told Viaplay.

“The risk is probably a bit too great to use him today,” he added.

Asked whether Isak could play some role in Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Kosovo, Tomasson replied: Hopefully, hopefully

Alexander Isak was an unused substitute against Slovenia

But I certainly want to play as soon as possible,” Isak told Liverpool’s website.

The forward has not played a match since the final day of the 2024/25 Premier League season and is likely to play an initial back-up role to Hugo Ekitike when he returns from international duty.

Although after becoming the Premier League’s most expensive transfer ever, no-one is expecting him to remain on the bench for long.

Meanwhile, Ekitike made his France debut on a night of contrasting fortunes for Liverpool’s players on international duty.

The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt man was introduced for the final nine minutes of Friday's2-0 win over Ukraine.