Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe doesn’t expect Alexander Isak to be available for selection against Aston Villa next weekend, but he has been handed a fresh injury concern in attack following the final pre-season friendly.

Villa host the Magpies for their Premier League curtain-raiser at Villa Park on Saturday, with kick-off at 12:30 pm.

Isak wants to join Premier League champions Liverpool and has been training away from his teammates.

The Reds are expected to come back in for the striker after seeing a £110 million bid rejected a fortnight ago.

Speaking about Isak’s situation, Howe said: “We've had discussions and it's clear at the moment that we can't involve him with the group. So, yeah, I don't know how long that will be for. That's the latest.

“He's here, of course he has

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