Alexander Isak named in Sweden squad as Newcastle striker pushes to join Liverpool | OneFootball

The striker remains on self-imposed exile with Newcastle but will play for his country next month

Alexander Isak has been named in the Sweden squad for their World Cup qualifiers next week - despite being on strike at Newcastle.

The striker said earlier this month that promises have been “broken” by Newcastle and “the relationship can’t continue”.

Liverpool have failed with one bid, believed to be in the region of £110million, and are reportedly considering a second.

But the 25-year-old’s lack of action did not stop Sweden from naming him in their squad on Wednesday morning.

I have spoken to him several times, mentally he is strong. What we have said stays between us, of course

Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson

"It is very difficult to have a clear opinion about the situation," Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson told reporters, via Sport Bladet. "We do not know what has happened in the club.

"We must be very careful about drawing hasty conclusions when we do not have the whole picture. He is smart enough, he is smarter than me I think.

He added: "Alex is a very professional player, a strong character and he has worked hard. He is a game-changer.

"I have spoken to him several times, mentally he is strong. What we have said stays between us of course. Can he play 90 minutes? Of course not. Not at all."

Sweden begin their World Cup qualifiers next week, taking on Slovenia and Kosovo, with Isak named in the squad for those games.

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres is also in the squad, as is Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall and Isak’s Newcastle team-mate, Anthony Elanga.

Sweden have been drawn in a qualifying group for next year’s World Cup along with Slovenia, Kosovo and Switzerland.

The top side from the group will advance to the World Cup, with the second-placed team going into the play-offs.