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Eddie Howe says he is "confident" Alexander Isak will still be a Newcastle player at the end of the transfer window but says he sent the "irreplaceable" striker home ahead of the friendly loss to Celtic because of the focus on the Swede's future.

Newcastle made it clear Isak was not for sale this week when Liverpool stepped up their interest in the striker.

Newcastle say Alexander Isak is not for sale.



But I'm confident he will be a Newcastle player come the end of the window."

Howe on 'irreplaceable' Isak and Joelinton fitness

When asked about the importance of Isak to this Newcastle side, Howe agreed he was "irreplaceable".

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"We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable," he said.

Alex has been really good, he's trained really well and I realise there'll be noise around him."

On Joelinton, who was also absent from the matchday squad but in the stands at Celtic, Howe said: "Both players [Joelinton and Isak] are fit.

Howe: We'll be better for Celtic defeat - but lots of work to do

Reflecting on the performance and defeat to Celtic, Howe was relaxed with where his Newcastle team are, although admitted the goals conceded were poor and there is a lot of work to do to get up to speed for the new season.

"We take a load from that," he told the club's media.

I know Celtic are ahead in terms of pre-season preparation - they've been back a couple of weeks - but there has been a gulf between the teams.

"Yes, Newcastle are missing the likes of Isak, Joelinton, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, but Celtic have been streets ahead.

"Newcastle fans will be thinking that they need to add more signings - they've only added Elanga so far this summer but on this showing, they'll need a few more."


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