Alexander Isak omission explained ahead of Liverpool comeback - 'There is no panic'

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 FCLiverpool striker Alexander Isak was an unused substitute as Sweden drew 1-1 with Slovenia on Tuesday nightAlexander Isak was an unused substitute for Sweden as they drew 1-1 with Slovenia on Tuesday amid fears of a suspension for March's World Cup play-off tie. The Liverpool striker had returned to action on Saturday after nearly a month out with a groin injury.Isak came on as a second-half substitute but was unable to stop Graham Potter's side from losing 4-1 to Switzerland.

It had then been expected the Reds frontman would feature more prominently against Slovenia.As a result of Saturday's defeat, however, it meant Tuesday's game, at the Strawberry Arena in Solna, was a dead-rubber, which saw the decision taken to leave out Isak over fears that a caution would rule him out of next year's play-off.READ MORE: Liverpool announce major new agreement as club set to smash through £300m barrierREAD MORE: Andy Robertson makes emotional Diogo Jota admission after Scotland qualify for World CupStefan Pettersson, who works alongside former Chelsea, West Ham and Brighton boss Potter in the Sweden set-up, confirmed the Liverpool No.9 was left out to ensure he was not suspended for the crucial clash next year."We receive some supplementary letters from FIFA and UEFA about these things," Petterrson said. You're not yourself then."We have learned a lot.

Hopefully, we don't have to remind the players in March about how we play. We know we have to beat two good teams to advance (to the World Cup)."They are good teams all four, but if we can get our best players back in good shape, then."It means Isak returns to the AXA Training Centre having featured for 28 minutes of a possible 180 for his national side over the course of the international break.The 26-year-old hasn't played for the Reds since limping out of the 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22 at half-time.But, after being an unused substitute in the 3-0 loss at Manchester City on October 9, he is in contention for a recall when Nottingham Forest visit Anfield on Saturday afternoon.The £125m forward, who joined Liverpool on September 1 from Newcastle United, has scored one goal since his move, against Southampton in the Carabao Cup over two months ago.