Alexander Isak Left Out of Newcastle’s Asia Tour Amid Injury Concerns and Transfer Speculation

Newcastle United’s preparations for the 2025-26 campaign have taken an unexpected turn with the absence of Alexander Isak from their 30-man squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. Just days after manager Eddie Howe confidently stated the Swedish striker would “absolutely” be part of the team travelling to Singapore and South Korea, Newcastle confirmed that Isak is sidelined due to a minor thigh issue.

Isak’s omission has raised eyebrows, not only because of his fitness but also due to the swirling speculation surrounding a potential summer move to Liverpool. The 25-year-old forward enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions—a tally that places him among Europe’s most in-demand attackers.

He was also notably absent from Newcastle’s opening pre-season match, a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, which further fuels rumours of a transfer. With Liverpool reportedly prioritising a new No.9, Isak’s profile—agile, clinical, and Premier League-proven—fits their criteria perfectly.

Meanwhile, defender Lewis Hall, who hasn’t featured since February due to a foot injury, has been named in the travelling squad as he nears a return to action. The Magpies’ Asian tour includes high-profile clashes against Arsenal on 27 July in Singapore, followed by matches in South Korea against a K-League All-Star XI on 30 July and Tottenham Hotspur on 3 August.

With or without Isak, Newcastle’s tour will offer Howe a critical opportunity to assess his squad’s depth ahead of a season in which they’ll be seeking European qualification once more.

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