Eddie Howe has addressed Alexander Isak’s current status at Newcastle United.
According to Eddie Howe, it is “clear” that Alexander Isak “can’t be involved” with Newcastle United at this time.
This follows Newcastle’s rejection of a £110m offer from Liverpool last week, after reports that the striker expressed interest in exploring alternative options.
Isak was absent from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to what was described as a “minor thigh injury.” Subsequently, the 25-year-old engaged in solo training sessions at his former club, Real Sociedad.
Howe had previously cautioned against players expecting to “act poorly and train with group as normal”.
While Howe has not ruled out the possibility of Isak representing Newcastle in the future, the head coach emphasized on Friday that the situation “had to be right for that to happen.”
“We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group,” Howe stated after Newcastle’s 2-2 draw in a friendly against Espanyol. “I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest.”
Howe clarified that Isak, who is currently fit, has not been subjected to disciplinary action.
However, the Sweden international has been instructed to train separately from the rest of his Newcastle teammates.
“I’d want Alex to be playing today,” Howe added, just eight days before the season opener against Aston Villa. “I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us.
“Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa.”
Much can transpire in the coming weeks.
Isak was among the players celebrating as the Champions League anthem resonated at St James’ Park 75 days prior.
Newcastle had just secured their place in Europe’s premier competition, fostering a sense of momentum for the club heading into the summer.
However, the transfer window has proven challenging for Newcastle, who have missed out on targets such as Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford.
Adding to the complexity is the Isak situation.
William Osula played up front on Friday, and Anthony Gordon, typically a winger, is expected to follow suit against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Despite Isak’s absence and a lack of signings, the atmosphere on Tyneside remains largely positive.
Saturday’s friendly is sold out, and even with the Espanyol game taking place less than 24 hours earlier, 30,782 fans were in attendance.
Supporters are already anticipating the season ahead.
“Is this the way to Barcelona?” fans chanted in the Gallowgate. “Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? The Champions League awaits for me.”
Newcastle clearly need reinforcements to navigate the demands of European competition, though recent acquisitions did make an impact on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, on loan from Southampton, debuted for the club, while youngster Seung-soo Park played his first game at St James’ Park after his move from Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Ramsdale’s first task was retrieving the ball from the net after Edu Exposito’s long-range strike put Espanyol ahead in the 17th minute.
However, Newcastle responded.
Moments later, Lewis Miley’s cross found Matt Targett, who headed home.
Espanyol had a chance to regain the lead after Targett fouled Roberto Fernandez in the box just before halftime.
However, Ramsdale correctly guessed the direction of Javier Puado’s penalty, drawing loud cheers, before Jacob Murphy put Newcastle ahead after the break.
Ramsdale later made a fine save to deny former Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan.
Kike Garcia equalized late on, as Newcastle’s wait for a pre-season win continues.
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Park impressed on the left-hand side and received applause upon being substituted in the second half.
The South Korean may not have expected to be heavily involved with the first team so quickly, but Howe has faced limited options in several positions.
Consider midfield, for example.
Newcastle sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United last month, while Joe Willock is sidelined for four to six weeks with a calf injury.
Joelinton and Sandro Tonali were held back for the Atletico Madrid game, leaving Targett to fill in alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Miley.
Targett returned to his preferred position in the second half after Alfie Harrison replaced Lewis Hall, who is still building up his fitness after a foot injury.
This serves as a reminder that Newcastle need a center-back and at least one striker before the transfer window closes next month, as well as another midfielder.
Otherwise, Howe may have to be creative and deploy players out of position throughout the campaign.
Time is running out before the window closes on September 1.
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