Swedish FA make request to Alexander Isak ahead of international break

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Image Credits: Imago Images

Alexander Isak has been named in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, despite his ongoing standoff with Newcastle United and lack of match fitness.

Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson defended the decision to include the striker, who hasn’t played competitive football this season due to his transfer dispute.

“Of course it’s not a perfect situation,” Tomasson acknowledged at Wednesday’s squad announcement press conference.

“We all know that, but he’s very professional and with his quality he can be a game-changer for us.”

The Danish coach himself played for Newcastle during the 1997-98 season.

However, Tomasson was realistic about Isak’s current condition, stating: “Can he play 90 minutes.

Not at all.”

The striker has been training individually away from Newcastle’s first team since missing their pre-season tour, making match fitness a significant concern ahead of the September 5 clash with Slovenia in Ljubljana.

The Sweden boss praised Isak’s professionalism throughout the saga, telling reporters: “Alex is a very professional player, a strong character and he has worked hard

He is a game-changer… I am very happy that Alexander Isak wants to be in the squad, he is a huge player.”

Tomasson also revealed that “The World Cup is important for Alexander Isak.”

And after he broke his silence last week with an incendiary statement put on Instagram, the Magpies striker may have to speak in front of the camera’s on the situation.

That’s because Swedish Football Association has requested that Alexander Isak to fulfill his media duties in the September international break.

This is according to the Chronicle, who claim that Isak could “face the music” regarding his future while with Sweden.

Lee Ryder adds:

“Depending on whether Isak has made his move to Liverpool or not, he could of course pull out of any media duties, but he has so far complied with all of the Swedish FA’s requests to get back in action, and may now get the opportunity to speak at length about his decision making process this summer.”

Isak is scheduled to join up with the national team in Stockholm on Monday – coincidentally the same day the transfer window closes

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone