Alexander Isak has not rejoined his Newcastle United team-mates for training on their return from the Far East
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is set to train alone as the Magpies return to work after their trip to the Far East.
Chronicle Live reported this morning that it is now crunch time between Isak, Eddie Howe and the club and it appears that a line has been drawn in the sand.
The Sweden international was told to report for training on his own and then get treatment on the thigh injury that sparked his absence from trips to South Korea and Singapore.
His omission arguably sparks bigger concerns that his future on Tyneside is looking ominous again. The club confirmed today that Howe will hold a barbecue for player families and staff but a claim from Sky Sports suggested that Isak will head to the training ground after the social event.
Howe had sent something of a warning to Isak when saying on Sunday, telling Chronicle Live: "There is also another way to look at this. You have to earn the right to train with us. We’re Newcastle United.
"The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way.
"So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group."
Newcastle face Espanyol and Atletico Madrid on Friday and Saturday night. Head coach Howe will not hold a press conference on Thursday and instead face media after the game leaving Isak questions unanswered. There is an expectation that Isak, seemingly deemed unfit, will not face either La Liga side.
That will result to questions on whether Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle in light of the links with Liverpool. Newcastle United would not comment on Isak's return to the club when asked by Chronicle Live this morning.
Newcastle are not helped by the absence of a sporting director or a CEO, but sources behind the scenes insist that with PIF officials alongside them, Howe is capable of getting quick answers from the powers that be and internally the levels of ambition can't be questioned.
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