Newcastle United’s pre-season tour of Asia is designed to be an excellent opportunity for the club to expand its brand and appeal across the world, whilst also building up fitness levels for a long season ahead.
But for at least the first leg of the tour, Alexander Isak is set to miss out.
It’s a hammer blow to Eddie Howe and the club, as we did look sluggish and ineffective up top against Celtic without last season’s top scorer.
Even worse however, is that the Swede’s absence will no doubt fuel further speculation over his future on Tyneside.
Isak misses Asia tour alongside goalkeeper
Alexander Isak has not travelled with the rest of the Toon squad to Singapore this morning.
Writing on X, Craig Hope writes that the 25-year-old is still nursing a minor thigh injury, despite a precautionary scan coming back clear earlier in the week.
This means that Isak will miss Sunday’s game against Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium.
On top of that, Isak is also expected to miss both games in South Korea: the K-League XI game on the 30th of July, and presumably our game against Spurs on the 3rd of August.
Also noticeable by his absence from the travelling squad is second choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who played the second half in last Saturday’s Adidas Trophy game.
Despite signing a contract extension at the beginning of 2025, the Slovakian has always faced an uncertain future in the last 18 months or so, as he continues to seek first team football.
Toon trio return: Full squad
However, in better news, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Joelinton have been included by Eddie Howe after all three missed last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Celtic.
Joelinton did play 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Carlisle United, but Hall’s inclusion has boosted hopes that he will be available for the opening run in of games after a foot injury.
Tino’s return comes after he was given extended leave after a busy June saw him win the U21 Euros with England.
Odysseas Vlachodimos
Nick Pope
John Ruddy
Max Thompson
Mark Gillespie
Emil Krafth
Harrison Ashby
Sven Botman
Matt Targett
Kieran Trippier
Lewis Hall
Tino Livramento
Fabian Schär
Jamaal Lascelles
Dan Burn
Alex Murphy
Bruno Guimarães
Joelinton
Lewis Miley
Sandro Tonali
Joe Willock
Harvey Barnes
Jacob Murphy
William Osula
Anthony Elanga
Anthony Gordon
Sean Neave
Alfie Harrison
Anthony Munda
Travis Hernes
Speculation set to rise over Isak absence
Naturally, this news will invite fresh rumours surrounding Isak’s immediate future at the club.
Despite the player, the club, and the media previously affirming that the striker is content and committed to the club, this has not stopped the constant exit rumours.
Howe even sent Isak home from Celtic Park on Saturday to avoid any unwanted media attention distracting the player and the rest of the team from the game.
Until something new is confirmed, however, Isak is set to stay put and recover, hopefully in time for the Sela Cup against Atletico Madrid, if not the first game of the season against Aston Villa.
Right, now I am seriously worried, this is turning into one little soap drama.
1 new signing
The direction of the clubs seem to have completely gone, I feel like Eddie Howe is literally fire fighting issues as well as managing the board room! In my opinion, this trend can begin to be traced back to Amanda & her husband leaving.
Genuinely worried & feeling slightly desperate now….
Alex(Quote)
We are on about signing Trafford but Max Thompson is only 2 years younger – give him game time & develop him!!.
The absence of Isak is bad – even if he’s injured (not) he should still make the trip – all the physios & coaches will be so he’s not stopping here to work on his fitness with them.
The trip is a chance for the squad to bond again. Be on the same page going into next season and spend time together – it’s really important!!.
Also the reason we are going all the way to Asia is to raise the profile of the club. Leaving your star player behind isn’t a good idea & denies the fans the chance to see him up close – maybe get that selfie or shirt signing.
I’ve been all for him staying but if this is the circus it’s creating then sell him & have done. We aren’t offering him a contract over £250k a week that’s for sure and he doesn’t see his career out with us so maximising his top valuation makes more sense by the day to me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy17 :-
A lot of bad vibes and lack of “truthfulness” with the regards to Isak I feel.
Agents doing their best to obtain another big payday for themselves?
If that is the case I would sell him to the Saudi lot and stick two fingers up to Liverpool then move on.
An absolute shocker in terms of a transfer window and communication from the very top.
Joseph(Quote)
Joseph – I agree mate. Only I don’t care if he goes the Liverpool as long as we get the right deal for him (he won’t anyway now they have Ekitike and are trying to sign Rodrygo from RM). But if we sorted £120m plus Harvey Elliott for example I would have taken that.
I’m old enough to remember Andy Cole to MU and getting Gillespie as part of that deal.
If he goes to Saudi it’s only for money and I’d lose all respect for him then.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We have elanga maybe wissa and confident a new defender we have 4 keepers already … isak it’s just another wash rinse repeat media story ..folk need to get used to other clubs trying to get our top top players ., as to Isak give £130/150 million and as Sharpy says off to Saudi .. there are many other good players out there .. Newcastle are living rent free in Liverpool’s head .. they’re afraid of the future .. botman and joelinton and barnes injuries are over for now and we have a great squad another couple of additions we will be fine .. chill out with the football hypochondria 😵💫🥴
Mike(Quote)
Handed in a transfer request of the latest reports are to be believed, it this is the case I’d only sell him to the likes of PSG, Barca or Real and refuse to do business with the cartel.
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I would be very disappointed in Isak if it’s true. But there was life before Isak and there’ll be life after him. I would say there would be a very strict cut-off time to sell so we’d have time to reinvest.
After we won the cup last season I felt he was maybe more muted than others but maybe that’s just because of his quiet, shy personality? Before I thought if we had to lose one of the big three – Gordon, Isak or Bruno – it was best that it be Bruno. To raise big funds. After the cup.final win I felt very differently. I love Bruno now after his joy and passion on those celebrations.
I say get a striker in very soon. Happy if we pay 35M for Wissa despite his age. If we do sell Isak we reinvest in a young, top striker.
Adam(Quote)