The recent transfer of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United to Liverpool for a British-record £125 million has dominated headlines, but concerns about the striker’s fitness have emerged as a key talking point. Sweden’s national team manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, has confirmed that his staff is in direct communication with Liverpool’s medical team to carefully manage Isak’s return to competitive football. With the 25-year-old having not played a competitive match since May 2025 due to a prolonged transfer saga and limited pre-season preparation, his integration into Liverpool’s squad will likely be gradual, and his participation in Sweden’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers remains uncertain.
Limited Involvement in International Break
Isak’s move to Anfield followed a tumultuous summer where he refused to train or play for Newcastle, pushing for a transfer to the Premier League champions. His absence from team training and competitive matches has left him short of match fitness, a situation that both Liverpool and Sweden are addressing cautiously. Tomasson, speaking ahead of Sweden’s World Cup qualifying matches against Slovenia on September 5 and Kosovo on September 8, emphasized that Isak is not ready to play a full 90 minutes and that his involvement in these fixtures will be limited, if he features at all.
Sweden’s Cautious Approach
“Indeed, Jon Dahl Tomasson has insisted he won’t be used for 90 minutes in either of the games, but now admits they’ve spoken to Liverpool’s doctors about the striker anyway,” a statement that underscores the collaborative approach between club and country. “We will not do any stupid things with him,” Tomasson added, highlighting the priority of protecting Isak’s long-term health. “He has not had a pre-season with lots of training and matches. He cannot play 90 minutes. We have a plan. He is smiling and happy to be here.”
Tomasson also detailed the extent of communication with Liverpool to ensure Isak’s condition is carefully monitored. “We always have very good communication with the clubs. I have spoken to their manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor. Our physio Ben (Rosen) has spoken to their physio,” he said. This close coordination reflects the shared interest in ensuring Isak, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, is brought back to peak fitness without risking injury.
