Newcastle United's coaching staff went into the final day of the transfer window still supporting Alexander Isak's fitness dilemma despite his decision to go on strike
Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe and Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak could be facing a long wait to get close to full fitness after his £130m move to Liverpool. As uncertainty swirled around Isak up until the last day of the transfer window, the Magpies' sports science team worked hard behind the scenes to aid the player's physical welfare.
Eddie Howe's final words on Alexander Isak as a Newcastle United player will send a fitness warning to his new employers Liverpool.
The Sweden international played just 18 minutes of his country's 2-0 loss to Kosovo in the World Cup qualifiers and is not expected to make his Reds debut from the start away to Burnley at the weekend.
Newcastle had a fitness plan for Isak in the event of him remaining at St James' Park, but the expectation was that it would take him until after the next international break in October to get back to his best levels.
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A lack of match fitness and a refusal to train with the main group at Benton left Newcastle staff with major concerns over Isak's fitness levels.
In previously unseen comments from Howe, speaking on the eve of Alexander Isak's sale, told Chronicle Live: "Alex had been working individually with our sports science department and they have been getting him fit.
"But in terms of how match fit he is, and what he's actually done, it is difficult to judge. Match fitness is very different.
"That (how long he plays for) is for Alex and Jon Dahl Tomasson to decide."
In the end Sweden did not risk Isak at all in the first game against Slovenia, and used him briefly in the second match against Kosovo, Tomasson had warned last week: "We will not do any stupid things with him.
"He has not had a pre-season with lots of training and matches. He cannot play 90 minutes.
"We have a plan. He is smiling and happy to be here. We always have very good communication with the clubs. I have spoken to their manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor. Our physio Ben (Rosen) has spoken to their physio."
Isak has broken his silence after his move from Newcastle to Liverpool but still not explained why he went on strike.
Speaking to the Swedish media he said: "That's part of football. I can't control everything that is said or written.
"But I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that.
"There is a lot to discuss, and it can be discussed for a long time."