Alexander Isak has been named in Sweden’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite being on strike at Newcastle United and not playing a competitive match in more than three months.
The 25-year-old forward has been absent from Newcastle’s squad since the end of last season, training away from the first team after making clear his desire to join Liverpool.
The reigning Premier League champions had a £110 million bid rejected earlier this month, with Newcastle maintaining their stance that
Isak is not for sale, and a supposed improved bid coming at some point—as little time there is left in the transfer window.
Isak’s last appearance came on May 25, and he missed the entirety of pre-season amid the escalating standoff. Even so, Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson included him in the squad announced on Wednesday, which also features Newcastle defender Emil Krafth, and forward Anthony Elanga.
Isak has scored 16 goals in 52 caps for Sweden and is expected to be involved against Slovenia and Kosovo at the end of next week. His selection comes days after he released a public statement accusing Newcastle of “broken promises” and declaring that his relationship with the club “can’t continue.”
While a sale is still possible, it’s looking like Isak will have to return to the club whether he likes it or not and simply play if he truly wants to get a place in Sweden’s squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, as having missed three months is not quite like missing next season in full.
