Sweden have confirmed that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was left on the bench during Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Slovenia to avoid the risk of suspension for the World Cup play-offs. The 26-year-old, who has not started a match for club or country in three games, was one of nine Swedish players carrying a yellow card into the international break.
Isak was booked during Sweden's 2-0 loss to Kosovo in September, and a second booking or sending off against Slovenia would have ruled him out of the play-off semi-final on March 26. Sweden chief Stefan Patterson told Sportbladet: 'We are getting some supplementary letters from FIFA and UEFA about these things. I want to double-check what they might say. Before the next match we will know with 100 percent certainty what applies.'
Sweden manager Graham Potter admitted the situation was 'not ideal' but defended the decision to protect key players. 'You don't want players who go on the pitch and can't be aggressive,' he said. 'You're not yourself then.' The Swedes finished bottom of their World Cup qualifying group with just two points from six games, but a strong Nations League campaign has earned them a play-off spot.
Isak, a £125 million signing for Liverpool, will hope to return to action when the Reds host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday. His next opportunity could also come in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven.
