Isak named, Gyökeres misses out in Graham Potter’s first Sweden squad

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has been called up to Graham Potter’s first Sweden squad, while Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres misses out due to a hamstring injury concern. 

The announcement comes ahead of Sweden’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland and Slovenia later this month.

Gyökeres, 27, who joined Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in July, suffered a suspected hamstring problem during the Gunners’ Premier League win over Burnley on Saturday. 

The forward has since missed his side’s Champions League victory over Slavia Prague and will undergo further medical tests this week to determine the extent of his injury.

Isak’s inclusion marks a return to the international fold despite his recent fitness struggles. 

The 25-year-old forward has not featured for Liverpool since 22 October because of a groin issue, but Potter is optimistic the striker will recover in time to feature in the upcoming qualifiers. 

His presence is expected to bolster Sweden’s attacking options, with the national side in desperate need of points.

Elsewhere, Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall, currently recovering from concussion, and Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga are among the England-based players selected. 

Potter’s first squad blends youth and experience as he looks to steady a Sweden team that has endured a turbulent qualification campaign.

Potter, formerly of Brighton, Chelsea, and West Ham, was appointed as Sweden’s head coach on 20 October on a short-term deal. 

His arrival came less than a month after being dismissed by West Ham and just days after the Swedish FA sacked Jon Dahl Tomasson following a 1-0 defeat to Kosovo that left Sweden’s automatic qualification hopes in tatters.

Currently bottom of Group B with one point from four matches, Sweden’s path to the 2026 World Cup remains uncertain. However, their strong performance in the recent UEFA Nations League could still grant them a play-off spot. 

Potter’s debut fixtures against Switzerland on 15 November and Slovenia on 18 November will be key tests of whether the new era under his management can revive Sweden’s fading hopes.