Overview

• Sweden were beaten by Switzerland on October 10 and Kosovo on October 13, leaving their World Cup qualifying chances reported as very slim.
• In the 1-0 defeat to Kosovo, Isak took six shots with two on target, created no chances and missed a big chance across the full 90 minutes.
• Liverpool manager Arne Slot defended the striker’s slow start, citing limited minutes carried over from Newcastle and a plan to build him up gradually.
• Team-mate Cody Gakpo said the squad is still gelling after several arrivals and called Isak’s lack of a pre-season a little unfortunate.
• With Sweden unlikely to qualify, some analysis suggests Liverpool could benefit from Isak being available for training windows and a fuller pre-season next year.