Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has included Alexander Isak in his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo despite conceding the wantaway Newcastle striker is “not in a perfect situation”.
Isak has not featured in either of Newcastle’s first two Premier League games and continues to train away from the rest of the first-team squad after expressing his desire to leave St James’ Park.
Tomasson, who himself played for Newcastle in the 1997-98 season, is pleased, though, that the 25-year-old wants to join up with the national team ahead of the World Cup qualifying doubleheader.
Alexander Isak is a huge player – Tomasson
He said: “I am very happy that Alexander Isak wants to be in the squad, he is a huge player. The situation he is in is not perfect and he has not trained with his team. But he is a player who can decide matches and he wants to be part of our squad. The World Cup is important for Alexander Isak.”
Tomasson was quick to rule out the possibility of Isak playing 90 minutes in both games but suggested he had been keeping himself fit, adding: “Alexander is very professional, he has worked hard and is a game changer.”
The Dane refused to be drawn on Isak’s situation on Tyneside, however.
“I find it difficult to have an opinion on what is happening with Alexander in Newcastle,” he said. “You need to be careful before drawing any conclusions, we all should be, because we don’t have the whole picture.”
Viktor Gyokeres was also included in the squad, as was Lucas Bergvall with the Tottenham midfielder now fit after an ankle injury.
Gyokeres scored twice on his home debut for Arsenal on Sunday as the Gunners beat Leeds 5-0.
“I was very happy to see Viktor score his first goals in the Premier League, in his first home match in the league,” said Tomasson. “I watched the match at home and celebrated for Viktor. He got his first 90 minutes and that’s important for us too.”
World Cup qualification would unite Sweden, says Tomasson
Sweden missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and are determined to secure a place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
They are in Group B alongside Slovenia, who they face on September 5, Kosovo, their opponents on September 8, and Switzerland.
Tomasson said: “If we were to qualify for the World Cup, it would be proof that the team has character and quality. It would unite the Swedish people. Football can unite and have a great importance in society as well. It is a huge thing and we are looking forward to this opportunity we are facing.
“We remain humble, we should not forget where we came from. But we are taking steps in the right direction. All teams in the group can beat each other and we start with two difficult away matches. It will be very interesting.”
