Eddie Howe offers the latest Alexander Isak update ahead of Newcastle vs Liverpool

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe provided the latest update on Alexander Isak’s absence ahead of his clash with Liverpool on Monday.

The Swedish striker has been working hard to join the Premier League champion this summer – the Reds have bid £110 million.

Newcastle remained firmly refusing to sell their star man, leading him to strike, which he hasn’t appeared in the 2025-26 season.

Again, he will never play again, as Hipies welcomes Liverpool to St James Park on Monday night, which is expected to be a fierce thing.

“Nothing changes. He will not be part of the team that plays this weekend,” he said in a pre-match press conference.

“My preference for these things, it doesn’t happen publicly. Everything is better handled in the closed doors, but in this case it has to be, in this case the club is talking about and justifying at that moment.

“He signed with us and he is our player. My wish is that he will play with us on Monday and 100% I want him to wear a Newcastle shirt.

“I have no doubt about the players’ feelings. They will feel the same way. Alex is an amazing player, he’s a good guy, a good role and a good guy.

“If Alex wants to come back and play for us, the players will welcome him.

“It’s a failure. I don’t think we can get rid of this victory under any circumstances.”

Gordon stepped up

As Isak is still missing, Newcastle’s 9th place fell on Anthony Gordon’s shoulder.

England International is more accustomed to performing well in a wide range of positions, but Howe’s support plays a key role as they wait for new strikers to join the club.

He added: “He has done enough to do a good job for the team. I have played him there many times to replace players and substitutes.

“He plays differently with other forwards, but it can be positive in his devastating pace and strong work ethics.

“Of course, he scored goals from the vast area in history and also scored from the central area, and I think you can play a change position, I think he liked the role and he did a great job last week.

“He has a lot of opportunities and a lot of shots, so I think it’s a good show for him.”