The players of Newcastle United are professionals who will not let the constant speculation connecting striker Alexander Isak with a move from St. James' Park influence their focus while preparing for the Premier League season, said Manager Eddie Howe.
Isak, who took 23 competition goals last season, only behind Liverpool Talisman and Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah (29), was omitted from the Newcastle team for their pre-season tour through Asia.
The 25-year-old, closed 52 times before Sweden, entered Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 and has since scored 62 times in 109 performances in all competitions.
After the 3-2 defeat of Newcastle by Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday, Howe reporters said that the Tour was “businesslike as usual” for the players.
“You don't get a chance if you come to these tours to think of something other than training, the next game, the level is so high that we have to be very well prepared even in these games,” he added.
“We have to try to be at our best. So of course I think we will miss a player of Alex's quality and the group is going to feel that. That cannot be denied.
“And I can't sit here and claim that they (the players) will not do that. But they are a very professional group of players and they do it brilliant as far as I can see in terms of managing the situation.”
Newcastle, who qualified for Champions League football after the fifth in the Premier League last season, are the next in action against a K-League XI in South Korea on Wednesday.