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'Isak can be a game changer': Tomasson readying Sweden star for Kosovo duel

Isak was an unused substitute against Slovenia on Friday
Isak was an unused substitute against Slovenia on FridayJOHANNA SÄLL/BILDBYRĹN / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia
The concession of a late equaliser against Slovenia in Friday night's 2-2 draw has heaped extra pressure on Jon Dahl Tomasson's Sweden side to get a positive result tonight against Kosovo, as they go to Pristina in search of their first win in Group B.

One of the major talking points in the fixture in Ljubljana was the absence of new Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, who remained an unused substitute as head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson decided not to risk a player who has no recent minutes in his legs.

Speaking at the press conference ahead of the Kosovo match, Tomasson explained his decision further: "It was a bit dependent on the result. If the match had been 1-1, he would definitely have played. He has had five training sessions with us and has not had a long preseason."

The former Denmark striker also rubbished rumours that he had been pressured by Liverpool not to play their new £135m forward: "When he is here (with Sweden), it is we who decide." 

Although Tomasson would not be drawn on whether or not Isak will be playing in tonight's fixture, he did admit the former Newcastle United man can still make a big difference for the Blagult in this international window.

"We are thinking, he can definitely be a 'game changer', but I will not sit here and say whether he plays or not.

"We have a good squad and can make changes. Right now, everyone is available. We will get a full report from the medical staff tomorrow morning."

A costly mistake from goalkeeper Robin Olsen handed Slovenia the first of their two equalisers on Friday, and Tomasson emphasised his support for the experienced shot-stopper, and credited the way he handled the error.

"We are not robots, mistakes are a part of life. He made some saves after what happened. How he handled the media afterwards shows who he is.

"That a player makes a mistake does not mean that he should be thrown under the bus. The whole team should be thrown under the bus. We don't do this one by one, we all ended up under the bus."

As for who gets the nod between the posts tonight, the manager appears to be sticking with the Malmo man, "He has experience, we have a fairly inexperienced team. His experience is the key."