Alexander Isak Plays Through Bloody Toe to Fire Sweden Past Romania
Alexander Isak finished Sweden’s 2-1 Nations League win over Romania with a bloodied right toe after a second-half stamp, but the Liverpool striker played through the pain and helped launch the campaign with a goal.
The 27-year-old was seen limping after the final whistle at Strawberry Arena, with blood visible on his foot. Isak said the challenge was a forceful stamp and explained that the worst discomfort eased after the first few minutes.
“You can see the damage,” he said while indicating the injury. “It was a proper stamp. Anyone who has played knows it hurts badly at first, but then it settled down. I was alright.”
Sweden will now assess Isak before Monday night’s match against Poland in Solna, with only two days between fixtures.
Isak strikes as Sweden make winning start
The forward had already put Sweden ahead before the injury scare, finishing a precise pass from Yasin Ayari in the first half. Isak credited the midfielder for creating an easy opening.
“He served it perfectly. It was an outstanding ball,” Isak said.
The international goal continues a sharp upturn for the former Newcastle United forward. Isak has scored four times in Liverpool’s opening five Premier League matches, already twice as many as he managed across the whole of last season’s domestic campaign after his high-value move to Anfield.
His first Liverpool season had been difficult, but his recent scoring form has carried into the Sweden set-up under Graham Potter. Isak said a change of surroundings and another goal had lifted his confidence ahead of a demanding schedule.
He added that he was feeling in better spirits and hoped his current momentum would continue.
Holm injury adds to Sweden concern
Sweden’s victory gives them an early platform in a Nations League group also featuring Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the night brought another fitness concern.
Defender Emil Holm was carried off on a stretcher after appearing to suffer a thigh problem. Holm had recently endured fitness troubles that ruled him out of the World Cup, and his visible distress raised fears of another absence as Sweden prepare for Poland.
