Newcastle United will be without Alexander Isak for Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa, but Eddie Howe has dropped a big hint about the forward
22:38, 14 Aug 2025
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has spoken about Alexander Isak(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle are being forced to face life without star striker Alexander Isak as they gear up to take on Aston Villa in the Premier League this weekend. Eddie Howe has admitted that his team will 'have to find a way' without the Swede's services, which may catch the attention of those linked with Liverpool.
Isak remains training separately from Newcastle's first team squad as he attempts to force through a move to Arne Slot's side. The striker will be missing for Saturday's season opener and seems determined not to turn out for Newcastle again.
The 25-year-old was absent from the Magpies' pre-season tour of Asia and spent time training at former club Real Sociedad's facilities. Liverpool have had their approaches rebuffed so far and don't intend to submit another bid for Isak unless prompted to do so.
Alexander Isak and Eddie Howe
Howe hinted that the club have 'moved forward'(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Isak hasn't abandoned hopes of securing an exit, despite having three years left on his St James' Park deal. The striker could face disciplinary action over his ongoing absence in the coming days.
Newcastle manager Howe has confessed the saga has unsettled his squad. The former Bournemouth boss acknowledged that losing Isak creates a massive void in the team, reports the Mirror.
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"I don't think it's been healthy for us," Howe said. "I don't deny that's been a big challenge.
"Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world - if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.
"I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season," he admitted. "There was nothing I could do to affect that - it was always going to be there.
Alexander Isak
Isak is expected to have played his last game for Newcastle(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
"When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it's difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what's going on and how to react.
"But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That's always been my train of thought.
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"Whatever situation you're in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control. We have moved forward and I've got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks."