Alexander Isak scored as Sweden beat Romania 2-1 in their Nations League opener on Friday. Isak, who played the full match, took a couple of knocks and was seen limping in the second half. When Isak came out of the mixed zone, he had a bloody toe.
It is now clear that Isak is leaving the national team squad, which according to the Swedish Football Association is due to a minor injury.
"It's frustrating for Isak but also for us. It is what it is. He felt something during the game and we looked into it and then we made the decision that he should leave the group," said Graham Potter at Sunday's press conference and continued:
Our medical team was in contact with Liverpool and communicated Isak's status. It is normal.
Potter: “A great squad”
Centre-back Hjalmar Ekdal, who came on in the second half against Romania, is also out. He is also due to a minor injury. SvFF writes that no replacements will be called up.
"We have a great squad that we believe in. Of course we want all our players available, but we have other solutions and will continue to work the way we want," says Potter.
If we have to make a different decision after the game, we will do so.
Two pieces of good news are that Gustaf Lagerbielke and Besfort Zeneli are back. The duo travelled with the team during Saturday's training.
"Gustaf has made progress but we have to wait and see (whether he plays against Poland). But he has a chance. Besfort is available so that's good. We'll see how the game goes. He's ready to play 90 minutes. All the other players are available," says Potter.
Poland is waiting
Team captain Victor Nilsson Lindelöf:
It is clear that it is not optimal to have injuries in the squad. Alex is an important player for us and also Hjalmar who can come in and help us. But if you can't play, you can't play.
The Blue and Yellows will face Poland at home on Monday. After that, two away matches await, against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania.
Sweden plays in the B division together with Romania, Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The winner is promoted to the A division and the fourth-placed team is relegated to the C division.
For second and third place, promotion/relegation play-offs await in March 2027.
Sweden's matches:
September 25: Sweden–Romania 2–1.
September 28: Sweden–Poland 8:45 p.m. at Strawberry Arena in Solna.
October 2: Bosnia-Herzegovina-Sweden 20.45 at the Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica.
October 5: Romania–Sweden 8:45 p.m. at The National Arena in Bucharest.
November 14: Sweden–Bosnia-Herzegovina 8:45 p.m. at Strawberry Arena in Solna.
17 November: Poland–Sweden 20.45 at Tarczyński Arena in Wroclaw.
Source: Swedish Football Association.
