Former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen has voiced his disappointment after Alexander Isak was forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad with a thigh injury. The 27-year-old had scored four goals in Liverpool's first five Premier League games of the season and netted in Sweden's Nations League opener against Romania before suffering the injury in that match.
Isak returns to Merseyside for assessment
Sweden head coach Graham Potter revealed Isak was dealing with a thigh issue, and Liverpool confirmed he had returned to Merseyside because of a 'minor injury'. The striker will now undergo further medical assessment at the AXA Training Centre.
Isak had a difficult first season with Liverpool after joining from Newcastle United in a £125m deal, following a summer-long pursuit that saw him go on strike at St. James' Park to force the move. He struggled for form and fitness, with a broken leg midway through the campaign limiting him to 22 appearances and four goals for Arne Slot's side.
Hysen warns against rushing return
After an encouraging World Cup with Sweden, Isak had returned to form under new head coach Andoni Iraola. With the injury described as minor, it remains unclear whether he will be fit for Liverpool's match against Manchester City on Sunday 11 October.
Hysen, a former Liverpool title-winner, told Sportbibeln: "It's a shame now that he's starting to get going. Because now he was really on the move and scored goals last time and is starting to get going in Liverpool."
"It feels like he's on the right track again. But unfortunately he got injured here. Then he'll have to rest for a while. It's better that he comes back healthy and well, so that he doesn't take a chance and it gets worse."
"I just feel sorry for him now that he is starting to get going again. It gives so much for Liverpool if he is fit too. As he was in Newcastle - now it is not the same type of game in Liverpool - but if he can get up to half of what he did in Newcastle then it is really good for Liverpool."
