Liverpool handed Alexander Isak injury scare as thigh problem forces Sweden withdrawal

Liverpool have been handed a significant injury concern after Alexander Isak withdrew from Sweden duty with a thigh problem.

The striker had continued his excellent start to the season by scoring in Sweden’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Romania, but he will now miss the remainder of the international break and return to Liverpool for further assessment.

Initially, concerns centred around a bloodied toe after Isak was caught by a stamp during the Romania game. The 27-year-old played down that problem afterwards, raising hopes his withdrawal would simply be precautionary.

However, Sweden manager Graham Potter has now confirmed Isak is actually dealing with a separate thigh injury.

Liverpool described the problem as a “minor injury” and confirmed Isak will return to the AXA Training Centre to be assessed by the club’s medical staff.

Potter has also attempted to ease concerns over the severity of the issue, although he admitted the injury was worse than initially thought.

“He’s got a small problem with his thigh,” Potter said.

“It’s not a big one but because of the amount of games we’ve got in a small space of time, he won’t be able to make those.

“Not a big one but it’s frustrating for him and obviously for us.”

Potter revealed Isak suffered the problem during the Romania match but initially believed it could simply be a knock or dead leg.

Further checks over the following 24 to 48 hours showed there was more to the injury.

“Unfortunately after getting it checked out, it’s a little bit more than what you think during the match,” Potter explained.

“He has to miss the rest of the camp.”

Isak’s withdrawal means Sweden will have to negotiate the remainder of their international fixtures without their leading striker.

For Liverpool, attention immediately turns towards whether he will recover in time for their next Premier League assignment against Manchester City on October 10.

There has been no confirmation that Isak will miss that match.

The fact both Liverpool and Potter have described the injury as relatively minor provides encouragement, but his availability will depend on the results of further examinations when he returns to Merseyside.

Liverpool’s medical department will now determine the precise extent of the thigh problem and whether Isak requires a period on the sidelines.

Given his importance to the attack, Liverpool will be desperate to avoid taking unnecessary risks with his recovery.

Isak will return to the AXA Training Centre, where Liverpool’s medical staff will assess the thigh injury and establish a clearer recovery timeline.

The major question is whether he can recover for the Manchester City clash on October 10. For now, Liverpool have not ruled him out, but his involvement will depend on how the injury responds over the coming days.