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Newcastle had considered playing Alexander Isak this weekend - but have opted against(Image: Getty Images)

Newcastle had planned to play Alexander Isak across this weekend's set of games but Eddie Howe changed his mind on Friday night as he declared "we can't involve him" as the noise around his future continues.

The future of their Swedish star has been front and centre in recent weeks after he missed their pre-season tour to Asia and made it known to those at the club that he wanted to explore his options away from St James' Park.

Liverpool are viewed as his most likely destination and saw an opening bid of £110million rejected for Isak.



More than 100,000 fans are expected through the gates across the two matches and the Chronicle had reported that Howe was planning bring Isak back into the fold, depending on his fitness levels.

However the striker, who has excelled in his three years in the north east, was nowhere to be seen and the Newcastle boss confessed that given the state of affairs he could not be part of the squad.

READ MORE:Arne Slot makes 'wait and see' admission on Liverpool transfers after £300m summer spendREAD MORE:New Alexander Isak statement issued by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe: 'I can't involve him'

He said: "We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group.

The striker remains their record-signing, but his stock has risen to an extent that his price tag has more than doubled.

Eddie Howe doesn't envisage having the striker for next weekend's Premier League opener(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)

He broke club records last term in the final third and scored in their historic Carabao Cup triumph.

Howe admits that he wants Isak to be part of the squad for their Premier League opener next weekend, but acknowledges that it appears extremely unlikely that will happen.

Howe said: "I'd want Alex to be playing today.

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