Newcastle record signing Alexander Isak pulled out of the Swedish squad through injury to let head coach Eddie Howe sweat over his fitness.
The £58m summer arrival from Real Sociedad missed training on Wednesday ahead of Nations League B4 matches against Serbia and Slovenia, his 23rd birthday, and is returning to Tyneside.
A statement on the Swedish Football Association’s official website said: “Alexander Isak missed Wednesday’s training due to feelings.
“On Wednesday evening, Alexander was examined by, among others, our medical team and it was established that he will not be available for the matches against Serbia or Slovenia. Alexander will therefore leave the team.
Manager Janne Andersson added: “It is of course sad, mainly for Alex, but also for us as a team. But after speaking with our medical team and Alex, it is the right decision for him to leave. I hope he will be back as soon as possible.
Isak, who started three of his country’s four games in June, was disappointed to have to retire.
He said: “It’s very sad to have to leave the team. I felt like playing again in the blue and yellow jersey. I wish the boys good luck on Saturday and Tuesday.
The news will also come as a blow to Magpies boss Howe, who completed his swoop for Isak as the summer transfer window drew to a close with Callum Wilson nursing the hamstring injury that has sidelined him since the start. 3-3 draw with champions Manchester City. 21st of August.
Wilson is close to a return but Newcastle face an anxious wait to find out the extent of the injury from his big-ticket purchase ahead of next Saturday’s trip to promoted Fulham.
Isak scored on his Liverpool debut and converted a penalty to secure a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the weekend, but has yet to finish in the winning side in his three appearances so far for the club, which did not win the Premier League. game since the opening day of the season.
