Newcastle's Alexander Isak Situation and Squad Challenges
Eddie Howe has stated that it is "clear" he cannot involve Alexander Isak at Newcastle United at this time.
Last week, Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool as the striker sought to explore his options.
Isak missed the club's pre-season tour of Asia due to a "minor thigh injury," but he has since trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad.
Howe had previously warned that no player could expect to act "poorly and train with the group as normal." While he has not ruled out the possibility of Isak returning to the squad, the head coach emphasized that the situation must be right for that to happen.
"We’ve had discussions, and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group," Howe said following Newcastle's 2-2 draw against Espanyol. "I don’t know how long that will be for, but that’s the latest update."
Howe confirmed that Isak, who currently has no fitness issues, has not faced disciplinary actions. However, he has been instructed to train at a different time from his teammates in Newcastle.
"I’d want Alex to be playing today," Howe added, just eight days before the season opener against Aston Villa. "I’d want him training tomorrow. We would love for him to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear. There’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome, but I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa."
A lot can change in two and a half months.
Isak was among the players celebrating in a jubilant huddle as the Champions League anthem echoed at St James’ Park just 75 days ago. At that moment, Newcastle had secured their place in Europe’s elite competition, creating a sense of momentum heading into the summer.
However, this transfer window has been frustrating for Newcastle, who have missed out on signings like Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford.
In Isak's absence, William Osula took on the role of striker during Friday's match, while Anthony Gordon, typically a winger, is expected to fill that position against Atletico Madrid the following day.
Despite the challenges, including Isak's absence and a lack of new signings, the mood on Tyneside remains optimistic. Saturday's friendly is sold out, and even with the match against Espanyol taking place less than 24 hours prior, 30,782 fans were in attendance.
Fans are already looking ahead to what’s next, with chants of "Is this the way to Barcelona? Bayern Munich? Lazio? Roma? The Champions League awaits for me" resonating from the Gallowgate end.
Newcastle clearly requires additional reinforcements to meet the demands of European competition, but a couple of new arrivals showed promise on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who joined on loan from Southampton, made his debut, while youngster Seung-soo Park played his first match at St James’ Park following his transfer from Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
One of Ramsdale's first tasks was retrieving the ball from the net after Edu Exposito scored for Espanyol with a long-range strike in the 17th minute. However, Newcastle quickly responded as Lewis Miley’s cross was met by Matt Targett’s header.
Espanyol had a chance to regain the lead just before halftime when Targett fouled striker Roberto Fernandez in the box. Ramsdale made a crucial save, denying Espanyol captain Javier Puado’s penalty kick, much to the delight of the home crowd. Jacob Murphy later scored to put Newcastle ahead after the break.
Ramsdale also made an impressive late save against former Blackburn Rovers player Tyrhys Dolan. However, Kike Garcia managed to equalize, leaving Newcastle still searching for a pre-season victory.
As for Park, he was lively on the left flank and received applause as he was substituted in the second half.
Although the South Korean may not have anticipated being heavily involved with the first team so soon, Howe has faced limited options in several positions. For example, Newcastle sold Sean Longstaff to Leeds United last month, and Joe Willock is sidelined for four to six weeks due to a calf injury.
Joelinton and Sandro Tonali were rested for the upcoming match against Atletico Madrid, forcing Targett to partner with captain Bruno Guimaraes and Miley in midfield.
Targett returned to his preferred position in the second half after Alfie Harrison replaced Lewis Hall, who is gradually regaining fitness following a foot injury. This situation serves as a reminder that Newcastle not only needs a center-back and at least one striker before the transfer window closes next month, but also requires another midfielder.
As the deadline approaches on September 1, the pressure is mounting for Howe to make necessary signings.