Sweden Call Up Alexander Isak Despite Newcastle Standoff

Alexander Isak celebrating a goal for Newcastle United

Alexander Isak Selected for Sweden

Sweden have included Alexander Isak in their squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite tensions with his Premier League club, Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old striker missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour and was left to train individually after attempting to force a transfer. Manager Eddie Howe described the situation as “lose-lose.”

“Ideally, the player should have been training and playing with the club team,” Sweden coach Jon Dahl Tomasson said.


Other Key Call-Ups and Absences

  • Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) has also been called up.
  • Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham Hotspur) will miss out due to injury.
  • Captain Victor Lindelof is unavailable after leaving Manchester United and not joining another club.

“Victor (Lindelof) is an important player for us, but right now he doesn’t have a club and hasn’t trained collectively,” Tomasson added.


Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers

Sweden will face:

  • Slovenia – September 5, 2025
  • Kosovo – September 8, 2025