Liverpool Get Crucial Alexander Isak Health Report Following Summer Banishment

Sweden's national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson cautioned that Alexander Isak's enthusiasm exceeded his physical condition following a summer of solitary training before his transfer to Liverpool.

Isak missed Newcastle United's Asian pre-season tour due to what was officially termed a "minor thigh problem" before heading to his previous club Real Sociedad for solo preparation. During the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future, Isak declined all opportunities to rejoin Newcastle's training group.

While Liverpool and Newcastle remained in a tense standoff, Isak dedicated much of his remaining time on Tyneside to striking balls into vacant goals and working with a rebound wall, according to The Guardian.

This limited training approach has left Isak without the match fitness of his new Liverpool colleagues. The 25-year-old received his Sweden call-up and returned to group training this week after his self-imposed isolation.

"I noticed him beaming, did you see his expression?" Tomasson smiled when speaking with journalists. "He's absolutely delighted to be here, thrilled to play, which speaks volumes. He genuinely enjoys being part of a team.

"Naturally his condition is as I mentioned previously, typically during pre-season you participate in numerous matches and extensive training, but that hasn't happened. Can he complete 90 minutes? Absolutely not.

"Will we make foolish decisions with Alex? No, we won't make foolish decisions with Alex. We certainly have a strategy, but he's smiling and pleased to be here."

Unlike numerous European countries, Sweden have not yet commenced their World Cup qualification journey. Isak's national squad travels to Slovenia on Friday night followed by another away encounter against Kosovo on Monday. Isak's involvement in either match remains uncertain, though Tomasson's choices won't be influenced by the club that recently invested £125 million ($168.4 million) in acquiring him.

"No directives [from Liverpool]," the Swedish manager stated, "we maintain excellent relationships with numerous clubs, I've communicated with the manager. Our medical staff has consulted with their medical team. Our physiotherapist Ben [Rosen] has coordinated with their physio and Liverpool's fitness department. Standard communication we maintain with every club, it's completely transparent."

Isak is expected to make his Liverpool debut in some form against Burnley on Sep. 14. The record signing's inaugural home appearance will be an exciting Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid before facing the intensity of his first Merseyside derby at Anfield three days afterward.