Eddie Howe says that Alexander Isak will not feature in Thursday's night exhibition game in Riyadh against Al-Hilal.
The Sweden striker has not suffered any type of setback and has been training both in the gym and on the grass after making his return from a thigh problem picked up on international duty. But sadly the big match in Saudi Arabia this week will come too early for the centre-forward.
Signed for £63million from Real Sociedad in the summer, Isak has two goals to his name already in a black and white shirt. But Howe will not take any risks as he looks to prepare him for the League Cup clash against AFC Bournemouth - a game the Newcastle boss sees as crucial to restarting the season in the right manner.
