Isak OUT, triple boost and goalkeeper absent - Newcastle squad for Asia tour

Newcastle United's pre-season tour of Asia is designed to be an excellent opportunity for the club to expand its brand and appeal across the world, whilst also building up fitness levels for a long season ahead.

But for at least the first leg of the tour, Alexander Isak is set to miss out.

It's a hammer blow to Eddie Howe and the club, as we did look sluggish and ineffective up top against Celtic without last season's top scorer.

Even worse however, is that the Swede's absence will no doubt fuel further speculation over his future on Tyneside.

Isak misses Asia tour alongside goalkeeper

Alexander Isak has not travelled with the rest of the Toon squad to Singapore this morning.

Writing on X, Craig Hope writes that the 25-year-old is still nursing a minor thigh injury, despite a precautionary scan coming back clear earlier in the week.

This means that Isak will miss Sunday's game against Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium.

On top of that,  Isak is also expected to miss both games in South Korea: the K-League XI game on the 30th of July, and presumably our game against Spurs on the 3rd of August.

Also noticeable by his absence from the travelling squad is second choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who played the second half in last Saturday's Adidas Trophy game.

Despite signing a contract extension at the beginning of 2025, the Slovakian has always faced an uncertain future in the last 18 months or so, as he continues to seek first team football.

Toon trio return: Full squad

However, in better news, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Joelinton have been included by Eddie Howe after all three missed last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Celtic.

Joelinton did play 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Carlisle United, but Hall's inclusion has boosted hopes that he will be available for the opening run in of games after a foot injury.

Tino’s return comes after he was given extended leave after a busy June saw him win the U21 Euros with England.

Odysseas Vlachodimos

Nick Pope

John Ruddy

Max Thompson

Mark Gillespie

Emil Krafth

Harrison Ashby

Sven Botman

Matt Targett

Kieran Trippier

Lewis Hall

Tino Livramento

Fabian Schär

Jamaal Lascelles

Dan Burn

Alex Murphy

Bruno Guimarães

Joelinton

Lewis Miley

Sandro Tonali

Joe Willock

Harvey Barnes

Jacob Murphy

William Osula

Anthony Elanga

Anthony Gordon

Sean Neave

Alfie Harrison

Anthony Munda

Travis Hernes

Speculation set to rise over Isak absence

Naturally, this news will invite fresh rumours surrounding Isak's immediate future at the club.

Despite the player, the club, and the media previously affirming that the striker is content and committed to the club, this has not stopped the constant exit rumours.

Howe even sent Isak home from Celtic Park on Saturday to avoid any unwanted media attention distracting the player and the rest of the team from the game.

Until something new is confirmed, however, Isak is set to stay put and recover, hopefully in time for the Sela Cup against Atletico Madrid, if not the first game of the season against Aston Villa.