Liverpool Star Alexander Isak Suffers Injury Scare in Sweden Win

Alexander Isak walked away from Sweden's 2-1 win over Romania with a goal to his name, but also a bloodied foot after a heavy challenge left him limping through the closing stages of the match.

The Liverpool striker was on the receiving end of a nasty stamp during the second half, leaving his toe bleeding and forcing him to grimace through much of the rest of the game. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Isak stayed calm despite the injury, showing off the damage to his foot as he explained what had happened.

"You can see it..." he said, looking down at his toe, as quoted by Aftonbladet. "It was a real stamp. Those of you who have played might know that it takes a few minutes before it lets go, but it was okay."

Isak had already put Sweden ahead in the first half, finishing off a pinpoint pass from Yasin Ayari, who has become an increasingly important creative presence in the Swedish midfield. Isak was quick to credit his teammate for the assist.

"He put it on a plate. It was fantastic," he said.

The goal continues a strong run of form for the former Newcastle striker, who has bounced back well after a difficult first season following his big money move to Liverpool. He appears to have found his rhythm under Sweden boss Graham Potter, and his ability to carry his club form into international football is a welcome boost for the national team.

Isak has already scored four goals in Liverpool's first five Premier League games this season, already surpassing his total for the whole of last season. Scoring for his country too is another sign that he's back to full sharpness and confidence.

"Great. A different environment, a new goal. It was nice for the future. I've been in better spirits, but hopefully that will continue," he said.

The win gives Sweden a solid start in a competitive Nations League group that also includes Bosnia-Herzegovina, though there's little time to rest, with the team facing a tricky trip to face Poland in Solna just two days later on Monday night.

Beyond Isak's injury, Sweden also have other fitness concerns to deal with. Defender Emil Holm, who had already struggled with fitness issues before missing the World Cup, was forced off on a stretcher with what looked like a serious thigh injury, putting a slight dampener on what was otherwise a positive start to Sweden's Nations League campaign.