Alexander Isak decision confirmed as Arne Slot hopes for Liverpool boost
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesAlexander IsakAlexander Isak has been named in Sweden's World Cup squad, with Arne Slot having previously expressed his hope the competition would benefit the striker's fitness and playing timeLiverpool striker Alexander Isak.(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Alexander Isak has become the first Liverpool player to be confirmed as heading to the World Cup this summer after earning his place on Sweden's roster for the tournament.Sweden national team boss Graham Potter announced his 26-man squad on Tuesday for the finals in North America, which get underway next month in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.As anticipated, Isak has made the final selection, with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot previously suggesting that the World Cup could be beneficial for a player who has had very little game time this season due to fitness issues and injuries.READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold faces fresh Real Madrid chaos and Jose Mourinho stormREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher makes Xabi Alonso to Liverpool prediction amid Chelsea talks - 'I'm sure he would'Isak has started just 13 matches and made nine substitute appearances since his move to Anfield from Newcastle United in a British record $169 million (£125 million) deal in September, though he is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the club.The 26-year-old will be pushing for a starting berth at Aston Villa on Friday evening, having returned from a one-match absence with a minor groin complaint when coming off the bench in last weekend's 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Chelsea.Sweden chose to announce its final World Cup squad ahead of the June 1 deadline, although nations were required to submit a 55-man provisional squad by Monday evening.Alexander Isak during the Premier League game between Everton and Liverpool.(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)Nations are not obliged to release their provisional squads publicly, but Brazil has confirmed that Alisson Becker features in its initial party, while Alexis Mac Allister is included in Argentina's provisional selection.France's Ibrahima Konate, Dutch quartet Virgil van Dijk, Jeremie Frimpong, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo, Japan's Wataru Endo, and Germany's Florian Wirtz are all anticipated to feature in the tournament.Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are set to officially depart Liverpool during the tournament at the end of June, representing Egypt and Scotland respectively.Meanwhile, the English pair Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez currently look unlikely to secure a place in Thomas Tuchel's final squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, now at Real Madrid, may also be omitted.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
Learn moreFrom $100LFC.comSee the dealLiverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.Fans can order jerseys in the US at Fanatics.com or via the LFC Online Store in both the US and across the world.Liverpool.com says: Isak needs a good summer to get back on track as a Reds player. Last year's pre-season was a write-off for him, and this season, he has suffered as a result.If Liverpool can get him back to his best ahead of the next campaign kicking off, that could be worth 10 points or more immediately.
His quality is undeniable, but we have yet to see it because of injury and a lack of match sharpness.With Mohamed Salah moving on, Liverpool will need to find more goals. Isak is a huge part of the answer, and the World Cup could be the first step toward that potential being realized.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCAlexander Isak