Alexander Isak will not feature for Newcastle United against Liverpool on Monday, as Eddie Howe admitted the striker’s standoff with the club has created a “lose-lose situation.”
The Sweden international, who has been training away from the first team, was absent from the goalless draw with Aston Villa last weekend and remains out of first-team activities.
Isak’s omission follows a social media post earlier this week where he accused Newcastle of “broken promises” and declared his relationship with
the club “can’t continue.”
Speaking on Friday, Howe said he has not spoken to Isak since the statement and conceded the saga has cast a shadow over preparations.
“I don’t think we can come out of this winning in any situation,” Howe said. “It’s a sad moment. These things being made public doesn’t reflect well on us or Alex.”
Liverpool had a £110m offer rejected earlier this month, with Newcastle holding firm to their valuation closer to £150m and insisting replacements must arrive before a sale can be sanctioned.
Howe confirmed the club are working to bring in at least one striker, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen among priority targets, although nothing is set in stone and there is still a chance Newcastle closes the transfer window without any further addition.
Despite the tension, Howe insisted the striker could still return to the fold, leaving the door open for a potential reintegration into the first team.
“If Alex decided to come back and play for us the players would welcome him back,” Howe said. “He’s an outstanding player and a very good person. But if he is to play again, he has to be totally committed.”
