Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted that the omission of Alexander Isak has been a “big challenge for the squad, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old Swedish striker of Eritrean heritage has been frozen out of the first team having declared his intention to explore opportunities away from St. James’ Park.
He was left out of their pre-season tour of Asia and will not be in the squad for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Speaking to BBC Sport, ahead of the match, Howe said: “I don’t think it’s been healthy for us, I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best. To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap.
“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react.
“As time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation. That’s always been my train of thought.”
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Isak has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool but Newcastle have rejected a £110 million offer.
The Magpies have also missed out on targets like Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko who have since joined the Reds and Manchester United respectively.
