Is Alexander Isak Playing Tonight For Newcastle United Vs Liverpool?

Why Is Alexander Isak Not Playing for Newcastle vs Liverpool?

Isak’s absence isn’t due to injury. It’s an off-field situation that’s become one of the summer’s biggest stories. Liverpool made a £110 million bid for him earlier this month and Newcastle rejected it.

Since then the relationship between player and club has gone sour and it’s turned into one of the season’s biggest transfer sagas.

The tension spilled into the public when Isak posted a clear Instagram story that said: “Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue."

Many interpreted it as a direct message to the Newcastle board, accusing them of breaking verbal promises about allowing him to leave if the right offer came in. The club responded with a firm statement saying no such deal was agreed and Isak is under contract.

As a result Isak has been training away from the first team. Howe spoke about the situation in his press conference and said there was “no change” in Isak’s situation and he won’t be involved against Liverpool. He also hopes to see the striker reintegrated once the situation is resolved.

With Isak being unavailable and Callum Wilson leaving the club earlier this summer, Newcastle's attacking options are thin. Howe has turned to Anthony Gordon as a central option, with Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy on the wings.

New signing Jacob Ramsey is fit and could make his debut but the lack of a natural №9 is a big problem in a big game. Newcastle needs to adjust fast.

Liverpool under Arne Slot will be pushing high and testing the Magpies’ backline. No Isak means no hold-up play and no clinical edge, so Newcastle will have to use pace and energy to get at them.