The struggles continue for Alexander Isak, who has found life far from straightforward since his last goal for Newcastle United. The Swedish striker scored what would prove to be his final goal for the Magpies on 4 May 2025, converting a penalty at Brighton in the Premier League.
Since that moment, more than six months have passed, and Isak has managed just one goal across all competitions, whether for club or country. The sharp drop in productivity has left many questioning his form and the circumstances surrounding his recent career moves.
The striker’s most recent appearance for Liverpool came on 23 September 2025, during a League Cup clash against second-tier Southampton. Isak found the net in that game, but the Reds only scraped a 2-1 victory.
Beyond that, the Sweden international has endured a turbulent period, including a high-profile £130 million transfer to Liverpool, a move he forced by refusing to train or play for Newcastle.
His actions created headlines across Europe, dominating conversations about Newcastle United’s potential decline. Yet very little attention was given to the personal toll on Isak or how his decisions might affect the teams he represents.
The latest chapter in this ongoing saga unfolded in Sweden’s most recent World Cup qualifier against Switzerland. Isak entered the match from the bench in the 62nd minute, with Sweden trailing 2-1.
By the final whistle, the scoreline had ballooned to a humiliating 4-1 defeat, with Isak once again invisible on the pitch and contributing little to change the outcome.
This latest outing reinforced a harsh reality: since scoring against Southampton in September, Sweden and Liverpool have played 13 matches that Isak could have influenced had he been available and willing.
The record across those games is stark: ten losses and only three wins. For a player of his caliber, these statistics are alarming, raising questions about both his readiness and the broader impact of his absence.
The Sweden squad, meanwhile, has struggled to adapt without Isak in form or fully fit. Anthony Elanga played the first 78 minutes of the Switzerland game, while Emil Krafth remained unused on the bench.
The defeat leaves Sweden with just one point from five group matches, a precarious position that only a win against Slovenia on Tuesday can alleviate, preventing them from finishing bottom of their group.
Despite the setbacks, there is a small consolation: Sweden’s prior Nations League results have allowed them to scrape into the World Cup play-offs scheduled for March, keeping their hopes alive, if only marginally.
Speaking after the 4-1 loss to Switzerland, Isak addressed questions regarding his injury and fitness situation. He admitted his frustration at limited game time, acknowledging how difficult it is for a player to watch from the sidelines.
“It was about half an hour [I got in this match],” he said. “It felt okay. I feel like the reaction was good after the match in my body. Hopefully I can play properly in the next match [against Slovenia on Tuesday].”
He emphasized the challenge of being sidelined due to injury, noting, “It’s always frustrating when you’re injured. Regardless of whether it’s one match or more. It’s always worst for the player himself. It hasn’t been optimal. But when I’m on the field, I don’t give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform.”
Isak’s statement revealed the mental resilience required to cope with prolonged absences. “Yes, it’s hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I’m back and I’m positive.
There’s not much that’s easy in football. But with experience you learn to deal with things. That’s how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way,” he explained.
His words underscored a broader truth about professional football: the highs and lows can be extreme, and the path to recovery both physically and mentally is rarely smooth.
As Alexander Isak attempts to regain form for both Liverpool and Sweden, the pressure is immense. His next appearances, particularly against Slovenia, will be critical for his confidence and for the teams that rely on him.
Fans, pundits, and teammates alike will be watching closely to see whether he can turn this troubled period into a resurgence.
After months of setbacks, injuries, and limited impact, the coming weeks may define the next chapter in the career of a player once hailed as one of Europe’s brightest talents.
