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<h2>Concerns About Alexander Isak's Future at Newcastle</h2>
<p>The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United is growing, even though head coach Eddie Howe has expressed his “confidence” that the striker will remain with the club this summer.</p>
<p>Isak was absent from the matchday squad for the 4-0 defeat to Celtic, a decision made as Newcastle manages his playing time early in pre-season. Similarly, Joelinton, recovering from a long-term injury, remained in the stands to support his teammates, while Isak was sent home by Howe "due to speculation about him."</p>
<p>Liverpool has intensified its interest in Isak this week, but Newcastle has firmly stated he is not for sale, valuing him at a minimum of £150 million. Arsenal has also shown interest but appears to be nearing a deal for Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres instead.</p>
<p>Regarding the decision to send Isak home before the Celtic match, Howe commented, "It was my decision. He traveled to Glasgow with us but I chose to send him home due to the speculation around him. It wouldn't have been fair for him to sit in the stands." He remains optimistic that Isak will still be part of Newcastle by the end of the transfer window.</p>
<h3>Howe Praises Isak's Value</h3>
<p>Howe termed Isak "irreplaceable" during his press conference, emphasizing the difficulty in finding and developing top players. He has spoken with Isak about his future and believes the Swedish international feels focused on performing for the club, despite the external noise surrounding him.</p>
<p>However, reporter Keith Downie noted that Isak appears affected by the transfer rumors. He mentioned that Howe's decision to exclude Isak from the squad indicates the striker is impacted by the interest from Liverpool. With Isak's future uncertain, Newcastle fans are left worried about the possibility of losing their main striker.</p>
<h3>Joelinton's Fitness Management</h3>
<p>Joelinton was also absent from the game but watched from the stands. Howe provided insight on both players’ fitness levels, stating, "Both Joelinton and Isak are fit, but we felt they weren't ready to play." He emphasized the need for careful management as the team prepares for the upcoming season.</p>
<h2>Reflection on the Celtic Defeat</h2>
<p>After the loss to Celtic, Howe remained composed, acknowledging areas for improvement. He noted, "The pre-season is meant to challenge us. Although we were slightly fatigued from our training camp in Austria, this match served as a valuable lesson." He recognized that their fitness levels were not up to par with Celtic, leading to defensive weaknesses that need to be addressed in training.</p>
<h3>Need for Reinforcements</h3>
<p>Downie highlighted the stark difference in preparation between the teams, stating, "While Newcastle is missing key players like Isak and Joelinton, Celtic's readiness underscored the gap." With only Anthony Elanga signed so far this summer, Newcastle fans will likely be calling for more signings to bolster the squad.</p>
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