Alexander Isak faces World Cup last chance saloon as Liverpool striker returns from injury
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCAlexander Isak made his return from injury as Sweden fell to a 4-1 loss against Switzerland on Saturday, leaving them bottom of their World Cup qualification group with a game left to play.11:59, 16 Nov 2025Updated 12:27, 16 Nov 2025Alexander Isak's aspirations of representing Sweden in next summer's World Cup will now depend on a tricky playoff tie. However, the defeat against Switzerland means that Sweden enter this game knowing full well they have no chance of securing either the top automatic qualification spot or the second play-off position.READ MORE: Alexander Isak makes 'frustrating' admission as Liverpool striker offers new injury updateREAD MORE: Liverpool handed unexpected motivation to sign Antoine Semenyo in January transferNevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope for the nation to participate in the summer's tournament.
They can secure their spot through the UEFA Nations League.Sweden achieved promotion in this tournament under the guidance of former manager Jon Dahl Tomasson As such, they hold a place in the World Cup play-offs by being one of the four best-performing teams in the Nations League, who are not guaranteed a play-off spot through World Cup qualifying. However, as a side in pot four they will face a playoff semi-final against a top seeded side away from home.Despite boasting two of Europe's most coveted strikers, in Isak and Viktor Gyokeres, their lacklustre performance in the World Cup qualifiers is surprising.Arsenal snapped up Gyokeres from Sporting CP this summer, while Isak made a record-breaking £125million switch from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day.Gyokeres is currently sidelined due to injury during the international break, whilst Isak is still regaining his fitness following a disrupted pre-season.
Despite coming off the bench against Switzerland, the Liverpool striker was unable to turn the tide for his team.Since his arrival at Anfield, Isak has struggled to find his footing. Learn moreVarious PricesKitbagShop the sale hereKitbag has slashed the price of Liverpool kits and merch with up to 50% off select items.If they fail to participate in the summer's World Cup, it will be a significant personal setback for both players, who aspire to perform on the world's largest stage for their countries.However, their clubs might view this as a positive, as it would provide them with additional time to rest and gear up for the 2026/27 Premier League season, rather than being in North America representing their nations.And given the fact that Isak has been left playing catch-up following a disjointed pre-season at former club Newcastle United, having essentially gone on strike in a bid to force an exit, it would at least leave him in a better position ahead of the new campaign in contrast to last summer.