Alexander Isak intrigue grows as Sweden make claim over Liverpool striker - 'fingers crossed'

ISAK

Sweden have not ruled out having Alexander Isak available for their World Cup qualifying play-off next month - despite the Liverpool striker still being weeks away from a return to action.

Isak hasn't featured for the Reds since sustaining an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture when caught by Micky van de Ven in the process of scoring the opener in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur shortly before Christmas.

Arne Slot detailed last week that Isak was progressing with his rehabilitation but would most likely only become available for the Reds until after the March international break

But Sweden boss Graham Potter, whose side take on Ukraine in their World Cup play-off semi-final, has indicated he hasn't given up hope of Isak being fit, with doubts also continuing over Tottenham duo Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski.

Potter

"Right now we're just keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully we can get some of those guys back," he said to Sweden news outlet Aftonbladet.

“But if not, we have to find a solution with the guys that are available."

The prospect of Isak being named in the Sweden squad ahead of having returned to action for Liverpool could lead to a potential disagreement between club and country over the player's recovery.

Isak has had a miserable time at Anfield since making a club record £125million move from Newcastle United last summer, with lack of fitness and a groin injury contributing to a record of only three goals in 16 appearances

Should Sweden - who finished bottom of their qualifying group but earned a place in the play-offs due to their recent record in the UEFA Nations League - beat Ukraine, they will then be at home to either Poland or Albania in the final.

#ad make sure you gave your Official Merchandise Liverpool Coffee Mug - https://amzn.to/3N4fuEL