Sweden have called up Alexander Isak for their upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, despite the Newcastle United striker being frozen out at club level amid an ongoing transfer standoff.
The 25-year-old has not featured for Newcastle this season, training separately from Eddie Howe’s first-team squad after publicly accusing the club of breaking promises regarding a summer transfer.
Isak has since declared that his relationship with the Magpies is “finished” as he pushes for a move to Liverpool.
The Reds saw an opening bid of £110 million rejected earlier this month but remain keen to bring the former Real Sociedad forward to Anfield before the transfer deadline.
Reports suggest a second offer is being prepared, although Newcastle maintain that the striker is not for sale.
Despite his lack of competitive minutes, Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has kept faith in Isak, naming him in the squad for the September qualifiers.
“I am very happy that Alexander Isak wants to be in the squad, he is a huge player,” Tomasson said. “The situation is not perfect, but he can decide matches, and the World Cup is important for him.”
Isak could therefore return to competitive action in national colours next week, even as his Newcastle exile continues.
He will be joined in the squad by fellow forward Viktor Gyökeres, who netted his first two goals for Arsenal at the weekend.
Sweden face Slovenia before hosting Kosovo as they begin their push for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.