Newcastle United fans were dealt a huge shock when it was revealed that Alexander Isak has not travelled to Singapore ahead of their pre-season game against Arsenal.
The Magpies are set to play their second pre-season game on Sunday following a humbling defeat to Celtic in Glasgow.
Newcastle United lost 4-0 to Celtic last Saturday, a clear sign that their squad is not strong enough ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. However, the big story of the game was Alexander Isak’s omission from the matchday squad.
Eddie Howe confirmed he dropped Isak due to speculation around his future at the club. Liverpool are seriously interested in Isak and are hoping to secure his signature despite the signing of Hugo Ekitike.
After missing the Celtic game, Howe said he expects Isak to be with Newcastle in Singapore. However, the complete opposite has occurred and he will not be in the squad for Sunday’s game against Arsenal. While some will believe it is to do with the Liverpool links, the real reason for their absence has been confirmed.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak struggling with injury amid Newcastle United squad snub
Isak was sensational last season, scoring 23 Premier League goals and helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup against Liverpool at Wembley. However, the Swede slowed down towards the end of the season and appeared to be fatigued whenever he started.
After having pre-season to rest and recover, Isak has been dealt another injury setback which will leave fans worried ahead of a busy 2025/26 campaign.
Isak trained alone at Newcastle earlier this week, seemingly in a last-ditch effort to get back up to speed ahead of the Arsenal game, but it proved to be too little, too late as he will now be forced to watch the game from home on Sunday.
According to Craig Hope, Isak has been struggling with a thigh issue, so that is likely the reason why he is not going to Singapore, rather than any transfer speculation.
Alexander Isak’s injury a fresh worry for Newcastle United
With a busy season on the way, Howe will be eager to have his best players in peak condition for that first game of the season against Aston Villa.
This will now be the second game Isak has missed in pre-season, and it remains to be seen what work he will be doing away from Singapore, if any. Isak did not miss many games last season, but there were always concerns about his fitness, with the player seemingly walking wounded like many others in the squad.
A lingering groin problem has plagued him since the 2023/24 campaign, and this thigh issue is now something extra for Howe and his medical staff to worry about.
The big concern is whether Isak will be in the starting XI for the first game of the season against Villa. He will be lacking in match sharpness and is a major risk for injury after his previous problems.
A new striker is essential this summer, and Howe should consider the matter of signing one as critical.
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