Potter hopeful Alexander Isak will spearhead Sweden’s World Cup play‑off bid despite injury

Sweden’s head coach Graham Potter is maintaining a guarded optimism that striker Liverpool FC forward Alexander Isak will be fit in time to lead the Scandinavian nation’s attack in next month’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play‑off against Ukraine.

The 26‑year‑old, who has been sidelined since suffering a fractured fibula and ankle in December while playing for his club, remains on course for a late‑March return, a timeframe that aligns with the international break and Sweden’s play‑off schedule. 

Isak’s recovery has progressed steadily at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre, where he has advanced from basic rehabilitation into running and light ball work, raising hopes among Sweden’s coaching staff that he could be available to participate in the tie on March 26.

Although manager Arne Slot of Liverpool has urged caution and emphasised that reintegration into full training and match‑fitness cannot be rushed, Potter has repeatedly stressed that he is keeping “fingers crossed” for the striker’s availability. 

“Right now we’re just keeping our fingers crossed and hopefully we can get some of those guys back,” he told Aftonbladet.

“But if not, we have to find a solution with the guys that are available.”

The Sweden setup faces a complex selection puzzle, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Lucas Bergvall also pushing for fitness and Dejan Kulusevski unlikely to feature.

The absence of these key attacking threats has placed added emphasis on Isak’s potential return, as Sweden aim to secure a spot in the expanded World Cup group stage alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.