Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has given an update about the Alexander Isak Saga and admitted that it was a 'distraction' during the preseason.
Isak is currently on strike because he strives to secure a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes on 1 September.
The striker was not part of the Newcastle team for their opening match of the Premier League season to Aston Villa.
Howe wants Isak to play, but it seems very unlikely that he will appear in coming matches against Liverpool of Leeds.
Asked for an update about the situation with Isak, Howe told TNT Sports: 'No other than it has really been a few weeks. He is not here today, we are without him, and we adjust ourselves and are still trying to be competitive.
'Today will be a big test for us. Aston Villa did very well last year, we know how difficult this is to come to this area and play, but we look forward to it. I think it is a strong team that we have chosen so that fingers are crossed, we are going well. '
In the absence of Isak, winger Anthony Gordon was chosen to start as a central striker for Newcastle against Villa.
Howe said: 'We believe in the team we chose today and we believe in all the players we have in our team. There have been distractions during the preseason, but that has all been to me, not so much the players. The players must be in good condition today to play.
Asked if he feels disappointed about the Isak situation, Howe said: 'I don't think this is the time to discuss that, we are going to play a game. All my emotions are in the direction of this game and ensure that we are competitive, driven, motivated. This is a difficult place to come if you are one or two percent lower. Today we have to be mentally, including me, the entire coaching staff. There is no feeling of something other than wanting to give our best today. '
Howe revealed in his press conference for the game that he wanted to train and play.
He said: 'Of course I often said that I want him to train and play. I have had those conversations with him, but the details of these conversations must remain private. '
'The (only training) is not something you want to see. You want to see him with the team, you want to see him happy and enjoy his football. He is contracted to us. He is here, so for me that is an unfortunate situation. '
On August 1, Liverpool had rejected an £ 110 million plus add-on for Isak, who missed the club's tour through Asia.
Howe expressed his conviction that there could still be a way back for Isak in Newcastle.
He said: 'Yes, I believe that is. But there should of course be discussions and conversations to make that happen. But that is for another day. Today is Aston Villa and ensuring that we perform as well as possible. '