It would be fair to say that Alexander Isak will not have had many years as difficult in his career as the last 12 months have been. Despite sealing his much-desired British record transfer to Anfield, the Swedish striker has suffered with injuries and poor form, culminating in a 2025-26 season in which he has scored two Premier League goals.
The 26-year-old broke his leg in a game against Spurs in December, rounding out a poor end to the year. Few outside of Liverpool will have much sympathy for a player who was at the heart of possibly the most consequential transfer saga of recent years; however, even they would have to admit that the former Newcastle United man would have no luck if it were not for his bad luck.
That could all be set to be behind him, though, with Arne Slot confirming that the Swedish international is back in light training and looking likely to return within around a month. That return could coincide with an international break in which the qualification playoffs for the World Cup will get underway, begging the question: could he help fire his country to North America?
Playoff Victory Could be Isak’s Tonic for the 2025/26 Season
Sweden were woeful in their qualification group for the 2026 World Cup, somewhat reflecting the period that their star striker has been experiencing. They finished bottom of a group that included Switzerland, Kosovo, and Slovenia, ending with just two points. It was only by virtue of their Nations League performance that they qualified for the playoffs.
Despite their woes, the Swedes are still clearly well-fancied in World Cup odds. Despite not even being guaranteed a spot at the tournament, they are priced up at 124/1 to win it. Obviously, those odds are extremely long, but that they figure at all in the betting – ahead of already-qualified Cape Verde and Curacao – is indicative of the star power they possess.
If they can overcome the dreaded playoffs, it could be just the carrot that Isak needs in order to end the season on a high. Coming back into the Liverpool fold for what will likely be a battle for Champions League qualification at the end of the season, knowing that he could cement a place on the biggest stage, might help him return to form.
A Difficult Path to Glory for Sweden, Reflecting Liverpool’s Task
Sweden will be coming up against Ukraine in their playoff semifinal. Given that Ukraine finished second in their group behind only France, they will likely be considered favourites of a sort. Admittedly, the rest of the group was populated by Iceland and Azerbaijan, but they at least have some form to suggest that they can win games, which the Swedes do not.
Even then, if they were to come through this tie, they would face either Poland or Albania. Both nations finished second in their respective groups and came up against the Netherlands and England. It is not guaranteed that the Swedes will come through in that final, either, and they will need all of their stars at their best.
In many respects, Sweden will need Isak more than Liverpool do as the end of the season looms. However, the Reds will also consider the next few months as crucial. Failure to qualify for the Champions League would be disastrous on the back of a romping title win, and the club would love to see its record signing contribute to that.
No One Will Want to Rush an Injured Player Back Too Soon
Isak will be champing at the bit to return for club and country, but it is important that his coaches make the right decisions for him. When Harry Kane was rushed back from injury to face the Reds in the 2019 Champions League final, his presence was perhaps more of a hindrance than anything, and he failed to make an impact on the game.
Both Slot and Graham Potter will be aware of that, and will perhaps look at in-form options like Hugo Ekitike or Viktor Gyokeres, respectively, as better options for these crunch matches. However, if Sweden were to qualify, the Liverpool striker would be expected to be on the plane to North America in the summer, regardless.
