Liverpool have been handed a worrying injury setback ahead of their huge Premier League meeting with Manchester City, with Alexander Isak forced to withdraw from the Sweden squad due to a toe problem.
The striker picked up the injury during Sweden’s latest fixture and has now been released from international duty, allowing him to return to Merseyside for further assessment and treatment.
The timing will be a major concern for Liverpool boss Arne Iraola, with the Reds set to face Manchester City immediately after the international break in one of the most anticipated games of the early Premier League season.
Liverpool confirm Isak injury
Liverpool officially confirmed the news in a brief club statement, revealing that Isak will return from international duty because of a minor injury.
The Swedish forward is therefore set to miss Sweden’s remaining fixtures during the current international break.
Isak will now return to Liverpool, where the club’s medical team will assess the extent of the problem at the AXA Training Centre.
Further examinations and scans could provide a clearer picture of the injury and, most importantly, determine whether the 26-year-old will be fit enough to face Manchester City.
Huge concern ahead of Manchester City clash
The setback comes at a particularly frustrating moment for both Isak and Liverpool.
The forward has made an excellent start to life at Anfield, quickly establishing himself as one of the most important players in Liverpool’s attack.
Isak has already scored four goals in his first five Premier League appearances, showing the movement, composure and finishing ability that convinced Liverpool to make a major investment in him.
His partnership with Liverpool’s attacking players has also begun to develop, giving supporters plenty of reason for optimism about what could be a prolific campaign.
That is why the timing of this injury will be especially concerning.
Manchester City await Liverpool straight after the international break, meaning the Reds will be desperate for Isak’s toe problem to prove nothing more than a minor setback.
Liverpool fans will be hoping for positive news
For now, there is no confirmation that Isak will miss the Manchester City clash.
Liverpool will first need to assess the striker when he returns to the club before making a decision on his availability.
The club’s medical staff are expected to monitor the injury closely over the coming days, with the results of any scans likely to determine whether Isak can return to training before the crucial fixture.
Liverpool supporters will now be anxiously waiting for an update.
After making such a strong start to the season, losing Isak for a major game against Manchester City would be a significant blow to Liverpool’s attacking options.
For now, however, the hope around Anfield will be that the Sweden withdrawal was simply a precaution and that Isak can recover in time to lead the line when Liverpool return to Premier League action.
