Liverpool relief as Graham Potter makes tough Alexander Isak call | OneFootball

It’s been a frustrating season for Alexander Isak.

The £125m record signing from Newcastle came on board on transfer deadline day. But owing to a lack of pre-season - and a self-imposed exile - the 26-year-old was well short of match fitness when he arrived.

It didn’t help that the new No9 went straight off on international duty - missing out on the opportunity to gain a quick acquaintance with his teammates.

Throughout the autumn Isak was used relatively sparingly by Arne Slot and suffered an injury breakdown in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt.

And just when the Swede was getting up to speed - catastrophe struck.

Sweden wanted Isak on board for playoffs

Isak was injured in the process of scoring a goal against Tottenham just before Christmas - suffering a broken leg. He hasn’t been seen in competitive action since although Liverpool will be delighted to have him back training on the grass.

The timeline for his recovery was always showing late March to early April for a comeback. Therefore Liverpool would be getting a timely boost just in time for the Premier League run-in and the Champions League quarter-finals.

But one complicating factor for Isak’s recuperation was Sweden’s involvement in the FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final.

Graham Potter’s side take on Ukraine in Spain on March 26 - with a showdown against either Poland or Albania on March 31 if they get through that.

Too soon for Isak

For the past few weeks it has been hinted that Isak WOULD be called up by the Englishman as he plotted a route to North America next summer.

But when the time came to name his squad on March 18 Potter admitted defeat over Isak.

“He did everything he could, but at the same time we’re not superhuman,” the former Chelsea boss told Viaplay.

“Liverpool have done a great job, he’s done a great job.”

The Premier League champions will be no doubt relieved that Isak will be spared up to two strenuous international matches over the coming weeks - instead focussing on regaining fitness at the AXA Training Centre.

It was always a long shot for Isak to be involved for the national team but finally the issue can be put to bed.

It’s time for Isak to step up his comeback preparations - with big games coming thick and fast. By the time Liverpool play Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals - and PSG in the last eight of the Champions League - Isak will be raring to go.