Sweden will be hoping Alexander Isak can reignite their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification chances this month.
Jon Dahl Tomasson's side face a home double header against Switzerland and Kosovo on October 10 and 13 respectively in Stockholm and Gothenburg.
October's games come on the back of a miserable campaign start in September after a late 2-2 draw in Slovenia and a 2-0 loss on the road in Kosovo.
Tomasson's plans for the incoming matches have been rocked by Robin Olsen's international retirement, after a bust up with the coach last month, whilst key midfielder Dejan Kulusevski remains out injured.
Isak was included in September's camp, but only managed 18 minutes off the bench in Kosovo, as both Sweden and Liverpool looked to manage his game time.
The 26-year-old flew joined up with the squad just hours after completing his record-breaking deadline day move to Anfield on September 1.
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After not featuring for three months, due to his strike at Newcastle United, Arne Slot and Tomasson agreed to a pact over not starting him in either game.
Will Isak play for Sweden against Switzerland?
All signs point to yes and an immediate return for Isak with Slot indicating his confidence of his No.9 returning from the break at almost full power.
Tomasson was lukewarm over Isak's overall fitness, but given Sweden's precarious position in qualifying, he is ready to take the risk.
"He still hasn't played 90 minutes yet. He looks better than a month ago, which is normal. He also made an excellent assist last weekend [vs. Chelsea)]," he said.
"I don't know if it's a long way [until he's back to his best], but we're getting closer, you need six weeks in preseason.
"First you play 45 minutes, then 60, 75 and 90 minutes. Then you need another three weeks to be at your best.
"Whether it will be 90 minutes depends on the matches. We need to look at the players individually and data from clubs regarding what players can do physically and whether they can play 90 minutes or not twice."
Tomasson is unlikely to keep Isak on the pitch for 90 minutes against Switzerland - but he's sure to start - alongside strike partner Viktor Gyokeres.
Alexander Isak's 2025/26 stats, goals, games played
Slot's caution with Isak is shown by just two Premier League starts, and one each in the EFL Cup and UEFA Champions League, out of a possible six since the start of September.
He's not completed 90 minutes in a single game under Slot so far, with 86 minutes played in two UCL games, 45 in the EFL Cup, and 181 in league action.
Isak's assist for Cody Gakpo at Chelsea last weekend was his first for the club and his close range strike in the EFL Cup against Southampton was his opening Reds goal.
Despite waiting for a first EPL and UCL goal, Isak has six goals in his last 11 international appearances, with an overall tally of 16 in 53 games for Sweden.
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