Alexander Isak has missed another match in a season that has so far seen him struggle to gain consistency.
Sweden’s miserable World Cup qualifying campaign came to a close on Tuesday night as they drew 1-1 at home against Slovenia.
Isak wasn’t involved as new manager Graham Potter elected to leave him on the bench with a potential suspension looming.
Why Alexander Isak didn’t play for Sweden
If Isak were to have been booked, he would have been suspended for Sweden’s one-legged World Cup play-off semi-final in March.
Explaining his decision, Potter said he didn’t want his players to be playing within themselves: “[It’s] not an ideal situation.
“You don’t want players who go on the pitch and can’t be aggressive. You’re not yourself then.”
In addition to the suspension risk, the match essentially acted as a dead rubber for Sweden.
They earned just two points from their six qualification matches – a run of form that led to previous boss Jon Dahl Tomasson’s dismissal.
Despite finishing bottom of Group B, they will still feature in the World Cup play-offs because of their group win in the Nations League.
As a pot four team, they do now face a tough semi-final, though, playing one of Italy, Ukraine, Turkiye or Denmark away from home.
Usually supporters would be pleased that a Liverpool player hasn’t been over-exerted during an international break, but in this case, Isak could have done with the game time.
The 26-year-old played just 429 minutes for the Reds before a groin injury forced him off at half time against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.
This international fortnight has seen him return, but only for 28 minutes in a 4-1 defeat against Switzerland on Saturday.
Speaking to Fotbollskanalen after the game, Isak reflected on the frustration of his latest setback.
“It has obviously been frustrating. It’s never fun to be injured,” he explained.
“It’s probably most frustrating for the player himself when you feel like you can’t be there and have an impact, but I try to be positive and now I’m healthy.
“I feel like my body was good after the match.”
During that match, Isak came on to partner goalscorer Benjamin Nygren up front in Potter’s 4-4-2 setup and according to Fotbollskanalen “looked eager to play” but “it didn’t lead to any major opportunities being created.”
Per FotMob, the Liverpool striker had 13 touches – one in the penalty area – but failed to attempt a single shot on goal in his half-hour on the pitch.
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