Howe’s comments on Isak’s potential surgery resurface after new groin injury at Liverpool

The last time Isak missed a game for Newcastle because of a groin injury was in May 2025 when the club lost 2-0 to Arsenal. He had already sat out a match against Liverpool with a similar issue, and at that point, there were real questions about whether he needed surgery.

But after the loss to Arsenal, Eddie Howe told the Chronicle that surgery was not the answer.

“I don’t think it is a surgery issue.

“It’s not something that needs mending.

“It is certainly something that needs looking at as to why he’s getting groin complaints. But yeah, it is definitely not a surgery issue, it’s what is he doing to strengthen that area, which we will look at and focus on,” the Briton coach said.

Arne Slot unfairly criticises Newcastle United

Isak’s fitness has been a talking point ever since his move to Liverpool.

He has not looked sharp in a red shirt, and it is hard to ignore the impact of how he forced through his transfer.

While still under contract, Isak trained alone, refusing to take part with the rest of the squad while still drawing a salary from Newcastle United.

The move eventually paid off, but it has clearly affected how he has settled in at Anfield.

Following another goalless outing and fresh concerns over his groin injury, Liverpool manager Arne Slot made some surprising comments about Newcastle United when asked about Isak’s fitness.

“I don’t think there is a rule that every single player has the same.

“But it also depends on what did he do when he didn’t train with the team. What is the impact if you go to a new club as a big signing.

“So you cannot compare a player who hasn’t trained or played in preseason for a smaller club than Liverpool. There are many factors that you have to take into account.”

The choice of words was odd. Referring to Newcastle as ‘smaller’ felt unnecessary and missed the real issue at hand.

No matter where Isak was coming from, his lack of match fitness is down to his decision not to train with his former teammates during preseason.

While Slot is not likely to criticise his own player publicly, suggesting that Newcastle are somehow responsible does not seem fair or accurate.