Isak secured a deadline day move to Anfield after a long summer transfer saga with Newcastle in what is arguably the most controversial and biggest move of the transfer window. The prolific striker made his first start of the season against Kosovo on Monday night in what was a mixed start, however.
Isak made his first appearance since May when playing the final 18 minutes of Sweden's shock 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss on Monday night, with many fans watching to see if the 25-year-old can kick-start his campaign.
Swedish media speculated Liverpool may have demanded the player be held back so not to threaten his fitness for The Reds who face Burnley this weekend. Isak has not played competitively for over three months and playing 90 minutes could have caused further injury.
But when asked if this was the case, Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson revealed that the decision was down to Isak.
“I gave him the maximum number of minutes," he said to Viaplay. "We have talked during this meeting about what is a risk and what is not a risk.
"It is, of course, very difficult. You want to play him every minute. You see he is dangerous and creates chances. But we need him next month, the month after that and next year.”
Isak played just 20 minutes and failed to impress, when asked if he had been told to limited his own minutes he gave a telling answer as he prepares for life on Merseyside.
"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.
"(I played) 20 minutes and it felt okay."