Eddie Howe has left the door “well and truly open” for Alexander Isak to return to the Newcastle United squad in anticipation of the upcoming match against Liverpool.
On Saturday afternoon, Newcastle and Aston Villa played to a scoreless draw in the opening match of the Premier League at Villa Park.
Isak, who scored 27 goals in all competitions last season, was absent from Howe’s team for the match. In an effort to facilitate a transfer to Liverpool, the striker has opted to forgo playing for the club.
Isak is also training separately from the first team and did not participate in any of the preseason matches.
Alexander Isak NUFC has been issued a fine.
Isak will be subject to a sanction by Newcastle United as a result of his self-imposed protest, which has resulted in missing an official Premier League match.
Howe, when questioned about Isak’s purported sanction, stated, “That matter is being addressed by other individuals.” I am currently focused on the team and our upcoming match.
Newcastle’s subsequent match is scheduled for the following Monday at St James’ Park, where they will face off against Liverpool. The game is indicating that it is going to be a heated affair on Tyneside.
The fixture is not only regarded as one of the greatest in Premier League history due to the numerous classic encounters that have occurred over the years, but the Isak situation adds an extra layer of drama. Additionally, Newcastle’s recent Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought.
Newcastle supporters expressed their sentiments regarding Isak by characterizing the striker as “greedy” in the manner that is characteristic of the Geordie people after the full-time siren at Villa Park.
The striker’s anger was evident, and a prompt resolution is improbable unless Liverpool resumes negotiations with a more competitive proposal and Newcastle is able to secure a replacement.
Howe, who has been managing the situation delicately over the summer, did not rule out Isak’s return to the Newcastle squad, but he placed the responsibility on the player to make that decision.
Howe stated regarding Isak, “The door is genuinely open; however, nothing has changed.” “However, he must determine his course of action.”
“We would appreciate a resolution.” The term “we” refers to myself and, I am confident, the ownership of all of the individuals we have. I believe that this clarity is necessary.
“This season, or any season in the Premier League, will be challenging enough.” You do not require any form of distraction to divert your attention or disrupt the course of our actions. So, yes, but I am surely not in control of that, and I believe that there is only one individual who is truly capable of doing so.
Howe responded, “Yeah, I mean, that’s the quickest way,” when asked about Isak’s immediate return to the squad. However, Alex is, of course, in control of his actions. I am not in control of him.
So Howe would not rule out the possibility of Isak returning to the squad for Newcastle’s match against Liverpool at St James’ Park, although it appears to be extremely improbable at this present time.
Newcastle United is seeking a striker.
However, Newcastle will endeavor to have a striker available for the match, as Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is being pursued.
Howe continued, “I believe it has been my aspiration to acquire a striker, and we were in dire need of a replacement for Callum [Wilson].”
“I cannot emphasize this enough.” It is not as though we are investigating any other region. We have been in the process of recruiting a striker to replace Callum.
“Callum is a significant loss, not only in terms of his playing abilities but also in terms of his personality.” This is the course of action we are actively seeking.
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