The Magpies striker has been trying to force through a transfer to the Reds and Howe says he will have no involvement in the Premier League clash between the two sides on Monday (25.08.25).

The coach told reporters: "There's been no change - he won't be a part of the squad for this weekend's game.

"He's contracted to us, he's our player. My wish is he'd be playing Monday night with us but he won't be and that's regrettable. I 100 per cent want to see him back in a Newcastle shirt."

Isak accused Newcastle of breaking promises in a social media statement earlier this week and Howe admits he would prefer it if the matter was resolved in private.

He said: "My preference is it doesn't happen publicly. Everything is better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must, and in this situation the club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment.

"I haven't seen him this week. When I see him, we speak as normal. There's no issues. Of course it's a difficult situation for both sides and it's far from ideal for both parties. He's training later on detached from the group but we will I'm sure catch up at some stage."

Howe hopes to reintegrate Isak into the squad if he does not leave before the end of the transfer window on September 1 and thinks that the Newcastle fans will be able to forgive him despite the saga.

The manager said: "The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays."