Alexander Isak has returned to Liverpool after picking up an injury while on international duty with Sweden this week. The striker scored the opening goal in the 2-1 win over Romania in the Nations League on Friday night, playing the full 90 minutes in Stockholm.
However, he will not feature in the next three games against Poland, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Romania again due to a ‘minor’ injury. The 27-year-old was pictured after the game with blood on his sock as he spoke to reporters in the mixed zone.
Injury from a stamp
The issue appeared to be with a toe, which came from a stamp on his foot during the game. ‘It was a real stamp,’ Isak said, via Aftonbladet. ‘Those of you who have played might know that it takes a few minutes before it lets go, but it was okay.
The Swedish FA confirmed that Isak is now out of international action, with a statement reading: ‘Burnley centre-back Hjalmar Ekdal and Liverpool striker Alexander Isak are both forced to leave the squad due to minor injuries.
‘None of the players are considered to be available to play in upcoming matches in the Nations League and are leaving the men’s national team squad to continue their rehabilitation processes in consultation with their respective clubs.’
Liverpool assessment planned
A statement from Liverpool read: ‘Alexander Isak is to return to Liverpool from international duty due to a minor injury. ‘The striker will not be involved in Sweden’s three remaining fixtures in the current international break and will now be assessed by club medical staff at the AXA Training Centre.’
Liverpool are back in action in the Premier League against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday October 11 and will hope that Isak has recovered by then. The former Newcastle striker has been in good goal-scoring form so far this season, netting four times in his first five Premier League outings.
Manager and player exchange views
After Isak scored the only goal of the game in the win at Bournemouth last time out, manager Andoni Iraola said he would like to see more from the forward outside of just scoring goals. ‘He took the chance after a quiet afternoon – and that’s what a striker’s job is like,’ Iraola said. ‘He had a couple of situations, a cross he didn’t hit properly, one when his control wasn’t right and then the goal.
‘But he has to help us to be closer to the box, to play in the opposition half and to have meaningful possession. ‘Then, if the team is playing there, he will receive the rewards in terms of goals. We need that level so that we can play better.’
Isak took the comments on board, responding: ‘I agree. There are many games where I feel like I should and want to contribute more and be more involved. It’s nothing strange. ‘Of course you want to do it in all matches, but in some matches you are involved in most of it while in other matches you are involved less. It is the matches where you are not involved as much that you want to change.’
