Downbeat Howe ‘doesn’t know what future holds’ for Isak at Newcastle

Alexander Isak has been told to keep training away from the main group of Newcastle players. Photograph: Owen Humphreys/PA

Alexander Isak’s old poster-boy image has been removed from the plateglass windows of Newcastle’s club store and, judging by Eddie Howe’s demeanour on Friday night, the Sweden striker could soon be erased from the attacking roll call.

Isak, currently engaged in a standoff with the club as he tries to force a move to Liverpool, was nowhere to be seen as Newcastle drew 2-2 with Espanyol in a St James’ Park friendly. Not that his absence prevented the night’s subtext being all about the man who was not there.