Liverpool now one step closer to nightmare Alexander Isak scenario

There's a nightmare Alexander Isak situation that has just gotten a step closer for Liverpool.

The Swedish forward's time at Liverpool so far has been a major disappointment, especially given the weight of expectation that came with his £125 million transfer - a club and Premier League record fee.

From the outset, things have not gone to plan. Isak arrived at Anfield lacking match sharpness after missing pre-season at Newcastle, and it showed in his early performances. He struggled to find rhythm, looked short of fitness, and never quite seemed fully comfortable within Liverpool’s attacking system.

Just as it appeared he might be finding his footing, there was finally a glimpse of his quality. His goal against Tottenham suggested he was building confidence and beginning to show why Liverpool invested so heavily in him. For a brief moment, it felt like he could kick on.

But that momentum was quickly derailed. Injury struck at the worst possible time, ruling him out for a significant stretch and preventing any chance of building consistency. Since then, Liverpool have been left without their marquee signing for most of the campaign.

For a player signed to transform the attack, the return has fallen well below expectations. His first season has been defined by fitness issues and frustration rather than impact and influence.

Now it looks like he's on the cusp of a comeback. Isak has been back training on the grass for the last few weeks and after the international break, it is expected that he will resume training with the first-team.

That's brilliant to hear. It's exactly what Liverpool fans have been waiting for.

Of course, they are going to need to be patient. Isak is not going to be the same player as he was overnight. Liverpool don't want to rush him back too soon, even though it's tempting because of the important games the Reds are facing at the moment.

An FA Cup tie against Manchester City and the big Champions League game against Paris Saint Germain could determine the fate of the entire season.

Having Isak even just for 20 or 30 minutes in those games could be vital for Liverpool.

However, before that the club will be chewing their fingernails to avoid a nightmare scenario.

Because of the fact that Isak missed pre-season last summer, Liverpool want to have him back as soon as possible this time around.

This summer will need to be about preparing Isak to be the in the best condition so he can be successful at Liverpool and live up to his massive price tag.

However, this might not happen.

It didn't look like it, but now Sweden are just one victory away from qualifying for the World Cup. Viktor Gyokeres' hat-trick on Thursday night confirmed they will face Poland in the World Cup final play-offs.

If Sweden win that game and qualify for the tournament, Isak is almost guaranteed to go - and that is going to mean that he will miss parts of pre-season and will have a disrupted preparation for next season.

Considering Isak's condition, the last thing Liverpool will want is for him to go the tournament. He will undoubtedly want to play and represent his country, but it could come too soon for him and it could completely derail his fitness regime.

If Sweden qualify, they would face Japan, Netherlands and Tunisia with three of the four teams potentially going through to the next round.

At the best case scenario, Isak's tournament would conclude on the 25th June. However, it's likely Sweden will at least qualify to the next round, which could ending towards the end of July.

Mid to early July is likely when Liverpool would return for pre-season, which means Isak won't be there if Sweden qualify for the World Cup.

That would be a nightmare scenario and it's one Liverpool have to avoid.

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