Eddie Howe goes public on Alexander Isak situation now a week before new season | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has updated on the Alexander Isak situation.

The Newcastle United boss speaking a week ahead of the new Premier League season kicks off.

Eddie Howe speaking after United drew 2-2 with Espanyol on Friday night.

Alexander Isak not involved in the matchday squad once again.

Eddie Howe making absolutely clear that he wants the striker to be back training and playing with the team. However, what actually happens next…

After Newcastle’s 2-2 draw against Espanyol on Friday night, Eddie Howe asked if Alexander Isak has a future at Newcastle United, quotes via George Caulkin at The Athletic:

“He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle.

“So, certainly from our perspective, everyone connected with the club, we would love to see him back with the team.

“But the situation has to be right for that to happen.

“He’s here and he’s contracted to us, so as long as he’s in that position, there is, of course, a chance that he could play for Newcastle again. But I don’t know what the future will hold.

“I’d want Alex to be playing today.

“I’d want him training tomorrow.

“We would love the player to be with us. Let me make that absolutely clear, there’s no part of me that doesn’t want that outcome.

“But I don’t see that changing before the Aston Villa game.

“We’ve had discussions and it’s clear at the moment that we can’t involve him with the group.

“I don’t know how long that will be for. That’s the latest. I think I’d rather just leave it with that line.

“I think the discussions between us have to remain private. But it’s clear I can’t involve him with the team.

“I think the group’s been disrupted, of course, but I think whenever you have a player in this situation, it’s unsettling for the team.

“I don’t think we’ve been in that position since I’ve been here. The harmony and togetherness of the group has been at its highest.

“So I think naturally it’s just been a topic of conversation. It’s been a distraction and I think the biggest sort of hit we’ve taken is we’re not blessed with a number of players in his position. So I think you’ve seen a big gap.

“But I have to say big credit to the players because they’ve got on with their work. The training has been at a really high level. I haven’t seen a negative output on the pitch. But I have been aware of feeling around the group that there’s something there that’s not to the benefit of the group.”