Alexander Isak leaves Sweden camp with thigh injury and returns to Liverpool

Alexander Isak has left the Sweden camp and is returning to Liverpool after picking up a minor thigh injury. The 27-year-old striker will miss the three remaining Nations League group games for his country. The decision was made after weighing the packed fixture schedule and prioritising his recovery ahead of Liverpool's clash with Manchester City at Anfield on 11 October.

• Isak leaves the Sweden squad with a slight thigh problem that is not considered serious.
• Sweden face three Nations League matches in a very short space of time.
• Liverpool return to action on 11 October against Manchester City at Anfield.
• Isak is the second top scorer in the Premier League with four goals in five matches.

The thigh injury behind Isak's exit from the Sweden squad

The forward is carrying a small thigh complaint that is not a major setback, but it will keep him out of Sweden's busy run of fixtures. Head coach Graham Potter confirmed the problem is not a serious one and that the packed calendar has influenced the decision.

He's got a small problem with his thigh. It's not a big one but because of the amount of games we've got in a small space of time, he won't be able to make those.

Isak felt the knock during the 2-1 win over Romania, in which he scored in the 20th minute. The discomfort did not ease as expected over the following hours and the coaching staff decided to give him rest rather than take any risks.

The Sweden matches Isak will miss

The striker's absence coincides with three consecutive international fixtures. Sweden host Poland on Monday and then take on Bosnia & Herzegovina and Romania to close out their Nations League group. Although they lose their main attacking reference, the Swedish federation has not called up any replacement for the time being.

Alongside Isak, centre-back Hjalmar Ekdal of Burnley has also left the camp with a minor injury. The Nordic side is now weakened in both areas for a window that will be key for their qualification hopes.

Isak's strong Premier League form this season

The forward joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a £125 million transfer fee. This campaign he has scored four goals in five league matches, a record that makes him the second top scorer in the competition, only behind Erling Haaland, who has one more.

His performances have been crucial in keeping the team unbeaten through the first five rounds of the campaign. He stood out in the 2-0 win over Ipswich with a brace, and also scored against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.

A very different story to his first season at Anfield

The current start is far from what he experienced last year. In his debut campaign at the club he suffered a fractured leg in December that kept him out for around four months. He was limited to just 22 appearances in all competitions and scored only four goals.

What is at stake for Liverpool against Manchester City

The return to league action puts Liverpool up against Manchester City, the only team with a perfect record in the Premier League. The meeting at Anfield is shaping up as a major test for both sides' ambitions at the top of the table.

Whether Isak can start is one of the main concerns for the coaching staff. Liverpool's recovery plan is aimed at having him available for that match, although the final call will depend on how he progresses during the week before the game.