Liverpool's star striker Alexander Isak was deliberately held back from Sweden's final World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday night, a tactical move to prevent a potential suspension that could rule him out of a decisive play-off match.
The Bench Decision Explained
Isak, the £125million Liverpool signing, watched the entire 1-1 draw in Stockholm from the substitutes' bench. This marked the third consecutive match where the 26-year-old was not in the starting line-up, a run that includes Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City and his 28-minute cameo in Sweden's 4-1 loss to Switzerland.
The reasoning behind the decision is rooted in the high stakes of Sweden's ongoing World Cup qualification journey. Despite finishing bottom of Group B with just two points from six games, the Swedes have a lifeline. Their strong Nations League performance has secured them a spot in the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup.
The Suspension Risk and Play-Off Stakes
The crucial factor was Isak's disciplinary record. He was one of nine Swedish players at risk of suspension for the upcoming play-off semi-final. Having received a yellow card in the 2-0 loss to Kosovo in September, another booking or a sending off against Slovenia would have resulted in an automatic ban.
This ban would have forced him to miss the vital one-legged semi-final away from home against one of Italy, Turkey, Denmark, or Ukraine, scheduled for March 26.
Sweden's team chief, Stefan Patterson, confirmed the situation to Sportbladet, stating, "We are getting some supplementary letters from FIFA and UEFA about these things... It certainly can [impact team selection]. But it is Graham who makes the final decisions."
Graham Potter's Post-Match Justification
New manager Graham Potter, appointed last month on a short-term basis after Jon Dahl Tomasson's departure, addressed the controversial team selection after the match. "Not an ideal situation," the former Chelsea and Brighton boss confessed. "You don't want players who go on the pitch and can't be aggressive. You're not yourself then."
This calculated risk means Isak's wait for a start continues, with his last one dating back to October 22. His next opportunity to break that streak will be when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday.
