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Newcastle United have left Alexander Isak out of their squad for the Premier League meeting with Aston Villa at Villa Park. The forward has been surrounded by heavy rumours this summer with Liverpool tabling an offer earlier in the month.
Speaking once the decision was made official, boss Eddie Howe told TNT Sports: “[It’s] no change from what it has been in recent weeks, honestly. He’s not involved today, we’re without him and adjusting to that.
“We’re still aiming to be competitive and I feel today is a huge challenge for us. Aston Villa impressed last season, we know how tough this match will be but we’re excited, confident and in good mood.”
Isak has pushed for a move away from St James’ Park and therefore is not part of Howe’s current thinking. Meanwhile Liverpool, who had a £110m bid turned down, are not expected to return with another offer at present.
The Swedish striker sat out the whole of Newcastle’s pre-season programme and Howe had suggested he might miss the start of the campaign. That has now been confirmed with Premier League team selections announced this Saturday afternoon.
Newcastle’s opening line-up of the season includes attacking options Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon. The latter, usually a left-sided wide player, looks set to feature centrally as he did across pre-season in Isak’s absence.
On the bench Howe can turn to Jacob Murphy and William Osula, though once again there is no Isak.
The Sweden star ended the previous Premier League season as second-top scorer with 23 goals, finishing just behind Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah. His absence is therefore seen as a significant setback for the Magpies.
They travel to Villa Park to kick off the 2025/26 season before hosting Arne Slot’s Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday, August 25.
In spite of the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s position, Howe has recently conceded there might still be a route for the forward to reintegrate with his squad later.
“Yes, I think there is [a route back],” Howe told The Chronicle. “But naturally, conversations and discussions would need to happen for that to occur. But, again, that’s for the future.
” Today is about Aston Villa and ensuring we deliver a good display. I get why your questions focus on that subject but right now it isn’t helpful.”
When asked if Isak might play for Newcastle before the transfer deadline on September 1, he replied: “I’m not sure. As I sit here now I don’t know the answer. Alex will decide that.
“You want him training with the group, you want him happy and expressing himself on the pitch. He’s under contract here. He remains our player, so for me this (him training alone) is a disappointing scenario.
“Alex and I have built a strong bond and I don’t think he’d have hit the heights he did without that relationship, as well as the help from his teammates, the fans and the full backing of the club.”
