Eddie Howe’s past comments on Alexander Isak’s groin injury resurface as Arne Slot takes swipe at Newcastle
Alexander Isak picked up a groin injury during Liverpool’s Champions League victory on Wednesday night — a familiar problem for those who followed his time at Newcastle United.
The Swedish striker had been troubled by similar groin issues throughout his spell at St James’ Park, with talk at one stage of potential surgery to fix the recurring problem. That operation never happened at the end of the 2024/25 season, and instead, Isak made headlines for going on strike to force a move away from Newcastle.
Now at Liverpool, the 25-year-old is enduring a rough start to life at Anfield. His struggles continued in midweek, failing to find the net against Eintracht Frankfurt before being withdrawn at half-time due to another groin concern. The problem seems to have returned — and the long-term solution remains unclear.
During his time at Newcastle, manager Eddie Howe downplayed the need for surgery. After Isak missed a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in May 2025, Howe told The Chronicle:
“I don’t think it’s a surgery issue. It’s not something that needs mending. It’s about identifying why he keeps getting these groin complaints and what he can do to strengthen that area.”
That quote has resurfaced amid Isak’s continued fitness woes — and following Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s eyebrow-raising remarks about Newcastle.
Since joining the Reds, Isak’s fitness has been under scrutiny. Many believe his disrupted pre-season — after refusing to train with Newcastle to push through his move — is still affecting him. Although his stance got him the transfer he wanted, it seems to have come at a heavy personal cost.
After Wednesday’s match, Arne Slot appeared to shift attention away from Isak’s actions, instead taking a veiled dig at Newcastle. When asked about the striker’s lack of sharpness, Slot said:
“You can’t compare every player the same way. It depends on what he did when he wasn’t training, and the impact of moving from a smaller club to Liverpool. There are many factors to consider.”
Slot’s “smaller club” comment has sparked criticism among Newcastle supporters. His remarks seem unnecessary and unfair — especially considering Isak’s current struggles stem largely from his own choices, not the environment he left behind.
Whatever the reasoning, Isak’s recurring groin issues and slow start to life at Liverpool remain a cause for concern, while Slot’s comments have only reignited tension between the two clubs.
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