Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has stated that he "can't involve" striker Alexander Isak with the team at the moment, highlighting ongoing uncertainties surrounding the player's future at the club. This comes after Newcastle rejected a significant £110 million bid from Liverpool, as Isak expressed a desire to explore his options. Currently, Isak is sidelined due to a previous thigh injury, which caused him to miss the pre-season tour of Asia, but he has since trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad.

Howe emphasized that Isak has not been disciplined but has been instructed to train separately from the main squad. While he acknowledged the forward's talent and expressed a desire for him to be part of the team, he noted that the situation must be "right" for Isak to reintegrate. With the season opener against Aston Villa approaching, Howe confirmed that he would prefer Isak to be training and playing with the group, but the current circumstances do not allow for that.

The summer transfer window has been a turbulent one for Newcastle, who have missed out on several transfer targets, including Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro. As Isak's absence continues to be felt, the team is adjusting, with players like William Osula currently stepping up to fill the void in the forward line. Despite these challenges, Newcastle's fanbase remains optimistic, as evidenced by strong attendance at recent friendlies, indicating that support for the club is unwavering as they prepare for a competitive season ahead.