Alexander Isak endured a torrid return to competitive action as he was unable to prevent Sweden from falling to a surprise defeat by Kosovo in World Cup qualifying on Monday.
Isak made his first appearance since May as he came on as a 72nd-minute substitute for Newcastle’s Anthony Elanga, but his only real contribution to the game was a booking for clashing with Kosovo’s Fidan Aliti as his side were beaten 2-0 in Pristina.
The British record signing, who was left on the bench for Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday, had been introduced when his team were already trailing by two goals.
Isak had gone on strike in the summer to force a move from Newcastle to Liverpool before he eventually got his wish on deadline day.
He had not trained or played since his last appearance for Newcastle on May 25 and Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson raised concerns over his fitness ahead of their game against Slovenia.
Isak insisted after the loss to Kosovo that Liverpool had not limited his gametime, with the star now set to join up with his new team-mates before the Reds face Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.
Alexander Isak was unable to prevent Sweden from falling to a surprise defeat by Kosovo
Isak was introduced in the 72nd minute and was booked for a clash with Fidan Aliti
‘Not that I know of. I’m with the national team now,’ he said. ‘Clubs and national teams have contact but it’s between them in such cases.’
Tomasson said he had given Isak the ‘maximum’ amount of minutes after previously sounding the alarm over his condition.
Defeat for Sweden deals an early blow to their hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
They sit third in their four-team group but are already five points behind leaders Switzerland, who have won their opening two matches.
Only the team who finishes top of the group will qualify automatically for the tournament.
