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Alexander Isak is not playing for Newcastle on Friday night amid links with a move to Liverpool(Image: Scott Llewellyn | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Newcastle United have confirmed Alexander Isak is not playing in their latest pre-season friendly on Friday night.

This only came after the 25-year-old had expressed desire to leave Newcastle and had not travelled with Eddie Howe's squad for a tour of Asia, which was put down to a thigh injury.

After the Magpies returned to England it has been confirmed Isak has been made to train separately to his teammates and now he has not been named in the squad that faces Spanish side Espanyol in front of supporters at St.



James' Park.

READ MORE:I've been in the same position as Alexander Isak – here's exactly what he'll be thinkingREAD MORE:Liverpool told why they don't need to sign Alexander Isak - 'it’s possible'

Howe has named a mixed starting XI that includes captain Bruno Guimaraes, England defender Dan Burn and debutant goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale amongst some youngsters.

Up front is 22-year-old William Osula, another Swedish striker, but there is no place for Isak even on the bench.

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Liverpool's rivals still have another friendly tomorrow against Atletico Madrid, again at St.

It had been clarified that Howe would not be holding a press conference before either that or tonight's match but will be taking questions after each, so there are answers inevitably to come about Isak.

Prior to Isak being made to train alone, his manager had warned: "You have to earn the right to train with us.

To factor into the situation is their wish not to see Isak line up for the Reds when the two teams meet in the Premier League on Monday, August 25.

Arne Slot refused to elaborate on Isak's situation when asked at his pre-Community Shield press conference, simply replying: "As you know, from me and I think every manager works like this, you never talk about players that are not yours."

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