Alexander Isak absence explained as Liverpool striker left on bench in qualifier

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The risk of suspension from Sweden's World Cup play-off semi-final meant that Alexander Isak was left out of his nation's 1-1 draw with Slovenia on Tuesday night. Liverpool striker Isak did not figure as much as he would've liked during Sweden's six group games, with injuries and a lack of match sharpness restricting him to just two starts, both of which came during the October break.

But his absence from Tuesday's game between Sweden and Slovenia had nothing to do with his physical state, but rather because he is one yellow card from an international suspension. Considering Sweden's game against Slovenia was effectively a dead rubber, with both teams having failed to secure a top-two spot in their group, Sweden boss Graham Potter chose not to risk Isak picking up another booking, which would have seen him miss the play-off semi-final in March 2026.

Isak has not figured for the Reds since he picked up a hamstring injury during the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Chamapions League. It’s never fun to be injured,” Isak said of his fitness issues after coming off the bench during the second half of Sweden's loss to Switzerland last week “It’s probably most frustrating for the player himself when you feel like you can’t be there and have an impact, but I try to be positive and now I’m healthy.