3 SHOCKING Reasons Alexander Isak Has Been Frozen Out by Eddie Howe

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed the talisman striker Alexander Isak is not going to be available for the squad "at the moment," casting a shadow over the club's pre-season.

The Sweden international, who just over two months ago was celebrating with his teammates Champions League qualification, is now training individually from the squad in a confrontation-filled scenario.

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The club responded only a week after rejecting a £110 million bid from Liverpool, with it understood that Isak wished to "look around." Even though the Magpies insist he has no near-future fitness issues, the transfer leaves fans in doubt over whether or not they'll be able to view their star man in black and white in the near future.

We've had conversations and it's clear at the moment we can't involve him with the team," Howe said after Newcastle drew 2-2 with Espanyol, as per BBC.

"I don't know how long that will be for, but that's the latest."

The three main reasons for Howe's decision — and what might just get Isak back into the team — are outlined below.

Even though Howe has ensured that no official disciplinary action has been pursued, trust seems to have been broken.

Isak's choice to train alone at former club Real Sociedad — rather than join the Magpies on their pre-season tour of Asia — was a departure from the team's preparations.

Howe made his position on player conduct clear at the beginning of the summer, threatening that no player could "expect to behave badly and train with squad as usual." With Champions League football on the horizon, the boss must have all of his players fully on board — something he does not feel is happening with Isak at the moment.

Isak has been told to train earlier than his peers, a measure aimed at maintaining dressing room harmony.

Howe admitted, "I'd like Alex to be playing today. I'd like him training tomorrow. We would love the player to be with us." But already his non-availability has required changes in tactics, with winger Anthony Gordon to feature as an emergency striker against Atletico Madrid.

Such disruptions have the ability to destabilize pre-season preparations, especially if the fixture list includes European giants.

The Magpies did not have a great summer, being unable to sign big targets like Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro, and James Trafford. Isak's future is yet another element of doubt.

Howe’s admission that “I don’t see the current situation changing for Aston Villa” suggests there may be no quick resolution before the Premier League opener. With the transfer window shutting on 1 September, Newcastle risk entering the season short on firepower, potentially forcing Howe into makeshift line-ups and creative positioning across the pitch.

While the situation is by no means relaxed, Howe hasn't closed the door on reconciliation. "Let me make that absolutely clear. There's no part of me that doesn't want that outcome," he insisted.

The way back will likely require a public show of intent from Isak, perhaps in addition to assurances over his position within the squad.