Alexander Isak snubbed as Liverpool star subject of FIFA letters | Football | Sport

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak was left on the bench for Sweden’s match on Tuesday to avoid a potential suspension. The 26-year-old watched from the sidelines in Stockholm as his country managed a last-minute 1-1 draw with Slovenia, concluding their disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

This marked the third game in a row where Liverpool‘s £125million signing wasn’t included in the starting line-up. Isak also remained an unused substitute during the Reds’ devastating 3-0 loss to Manchester City, before playing for 28 minutes as Sweden were trounced 4-1 by Switzerland on Saturday.

Sweden ended up at the bottom of Group B, managing a mere two points from six matches. Their poor performance under Jon Dahl Tomasson led to a managerial change last month, with ex-West Ham boss Graham Potter stepping in.

Despite their lacklustre performance, Sweden still have a shot at qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, thanks to their impressive Nations League campaign, which secured them a place in the play-offs. They will face either Italy, Turkey, Denmark or Ukraine away in a one-legged semi-final, and Isak was among nine Swedish players at risk of suspension.

Yellow cards are carried over into the play-off semi-finals and Isak had already received a booking during Sweden’s 2-0 defeat against Kosovo in September. A second yellow card or a sending off would have resulted in him being banned for the match on March 26.

Sweden chief Stefan Patterson revealed to Sportbladet: “We are getting some supplementary letters from FIFA and UEFA about these things. I want to double-check what they might say.

“Before the next match, we will know with 100 per cent certainty what applies. There is no panic about it now. It certainly can [impact team selection]. But it is Graham who makes the final decisions regarding the team selection. But it is clear that it can have an impact.”

Following the game, Potter addressed the decision to leave Isak and others on the bench. “Not an ideal situation,” admitted the former Swansea, Brighton, and Chelsea boss.

“You don’t want players who go on the pitch and can’t be aggressive. You’re not yourself then.”

Isak will be eager to start his first game in a month when Liverpool host Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday. Isak’s next chance will come when Arne Slot‘s side continue their Champions League journey at home against PSV.