“Eddie Howe addressed the press this morning from Newcastle’s training ground.

Liverpool await on Monday in our opening home clash of the season, yet nearly every question circled back to one figure; Alexander Isak.

Howe was pressed on his Tuesday night remarks – which he described as a “sad moment” – asked if the striker could return soon, whether contact had been made, and how the club plans to move forward during this challenging spell.

The manager confirmed he has not seen Isak this week – the forward is training separately once key staff depart – while reflecting on Tuesday’s words and Newcastle’s need to adapt.

Howe again admitted his disappointment that the ongoing saga is “distracting us” from football, though he stressed the squad are handling it well and shutting out the noise.