It is looking likely that Isak faces punishment after failing to turn up for Newcastle's 0-0 draw with Villa
Alexander Isak reacts
Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe admitted last night that Newcastle United's board are considering whether to fine Alexander Isak after the star failed to fulfil his duties in the Premier League.
It could be argued that Isak's no-show for the clash against Aston Villa led to the loss of two Premier League points. And it is understood that United are pondering when to take action on Isak with the Sweden striker now free from the groin injury that kept him out of the trip to the Far East in pre-season.
When asked if Isak is on the brink of being fined, Howe said: "Other people are dealing with that issue. I’m concentrating on the team and our next game."
Howe has endured the extra burden of dealing with adverse media questioning on Isak's situation this week. He answered more than 22 questions pre-match and the 14 minute media briefing on Saturday afternoon was also dominated by the wantaway striker.
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Yet Howe accepts that those questions need to be asked and offered lengthy answers on Isak's continued absence - not least after chants against the centre-forward soon after after the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa.
That scrutiny is only set to intensify next week with Liverpool next on the agenda, the team that have unsettled Isak this summer.
Howe said: "We would like a resolution. When I say we, I'm talking about myself, I'm sure the ownership, everyone, the players, because we need that clarity this season.
"Any season will be hard enough without any kind of distraction to swerve your thoughts or unbalance what we're doing.
"I'm not in control of that. There's only one person who can control that."
Howe did not condemn the chants against Isak knowing that the supporters felt let down by the man Newcastle paid £63m for in 2022.
He said: "Not everything is plain sailing. We've had some tricky moments, as you know, but they've always been with the team.
"Afterwards, if they want to say something, they're very free to do that."
Isak has trained alone ever since the team returned form the Far East with Howe believing that the striker's response to suggestions put to him meant a return to the main group was not feasible.
Nevertheless, Howe asked Isak to be involved in training and the two pre-season matches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.
It is feared behind the scenes that Isak's attitude may pollute an already shaken atmosphere in the dressing room.