Alexander Isak has landed back on Merseyside to start his new chapter at Liverpool.
The Sweden international completed a sensational deadline day move to Anfield on September 1 after the Premier League champions finally agreed a £125m fee with Newcastle United.
The transfer saga has dominated the summer for both Arne Slot and Eddie Howe, with the Dutchman securing his No.1 target, and breaking the Premier League transfer record twice in two months.
However, Isak's first days as a Liverpool player were spent outside the UK, as the 25-year-old immediately flew out to join up with the Sweden squad.
National teams boss Jon Dahl Tomasson opted to call up his star striker, despite the former Real Sociedad forward not playing since May, and he was only granted a limited role.
Tomasson confirmed his concern over Isak's match sharpness ahead of the 2-2 draw with Slovenia and he made a cameo appearance off the bench in the 2-0 loss in Kosovo.
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"We will not do stupid things with him," Tomasson told Swedish outlet Fotboll Skanalen, as per Sport Witness.
"He's not had a preseason with lots of training and matches. He can't play 90 minutes. We have a plan and he's smiling and happy to be here.
"We always have very good communication with the clubs. I have spoken to their manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor. Our physio Ben (Rosen) has spoken to their physio."
As Sweden endured a miserable start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Isak played 18 minutes in Pristina, and former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg, suggested his playing time may have been dictated by Liverpool, to prevent an injury setback.
"That’s what it [Tomasson's comments] sounded like," he told Swedish TV, via Sportbladet.
"He said he played what he could!"
Ljungberg's view was backed up by co-pundit Erik Niva who claimed Liverpool gave strict instructions over what they wanted Isak to play.
"My impression is Liverpool ordered a maximum of 20 minutes, absolutely no more. But that's just speculation.
"We'll never know the truth. Because even if Liverpool said one thing, Tomasson will not admit it openly."
Ljungberg and Niva comments will be disputed by Liverpool, but the fact remains clear over caution on Isak, and he is expected to start on the bench at Burnley on their Premier League return on September 14.
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