Alexander Isak booked on return as Sweden stunned 2-0 by Kosovo in World Cup qualifying

Alexander Isak endured a difficult return to competitive football on Monday as Sweden were beaten 2-0 by Kosovo in a World Cup qualifying match in Pristina.

Isak, Liverpool’s British-record signing, came off the bench in the 72nd minute for Anthony Elanga but was unable to change the course of the game and received a booking after a clash with Kosovo defender Fidan Aliti. The forward had not played or trained since May 25 and had been left on the bench for Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia on Friday.

Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson had publicly expressed concerns about Isak’s fitness ahead of the international window but said after the game that he had given the striker the "maximum" minutes he could. Isak told reporters he had not been restricted by his new club, saying: "Not that I know of. I'm with the national team now. Clubs and national teams have contact but it's between them in such cases."

The result represents an early setback for Sweden’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Sweden sit third in their four-team group and are five points behind leaders Switzerland, who have won their opening two matches. Only the top team in the group secures automatic qualification.

Isak completed a move from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day after a protracted summer transfer saga that included the striker refusing to return to club duties in an effort to force the switch. Liverpool paid a British-record fee for the forward. He is due to rejoin his new club ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League match against Burnley on Sunday.

Tomasson’s decision to introduce Isak while Sweden trailed by two goals underlined the manager’s willingness to use his most high-profile attacking option despite fitness doubts, but the substitution failed to produce the intended spark. Kosovo secured the victory in front of a home crowd in Pristina, leaving Sweden with work to do in the remaining qualifying fixtures.

With few matches left in the group phase, Sweden will need positive results and improved performances from their attacking players if they are to close the gap on Switzerland and keep their automatic qualification hopes alive. Isak returns to club training and selection decisions will be watched closely as Liverpool prepare for their domestic fixtures.