Is Alexander Isak Playing The Aston Villa Vs Newcastle United Premier League Match? Check Update

Newcastle United will kick off their 2025/26 Premier League season away at Aston Villa without their star striker, Alexander Isak.

The Swedish forward, who was instrumental in Newcastle’s push for Champions League football last season with 23 goals and six assists, is set to miss the opening fixture not due to injury, but because of ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future at the club.

Isak had been recovering from a minor thigh issue that kept him out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, but he is now fit. Despite this, he remains unavailable for selection, with sources indicating that the 25-year-old is actively seeking a move away from St. James’ Park this summer.

Eddie Howe Addresses Isak Situation

Speaking ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe admitted there has been little progress on the Isak front.

“There’s no change to the situation,” Howe said. “My focus has been on training, preparing for Villa, and trying to bring in new players—that’s taken up most of my time.”

The Magpies manager reiterated his desire to keep Isak involved, saying, “I want him to play. I want him training. We’ve had those conversations.”

Asked if reintegration into the squad was still possible, Howe replied, “Yes, I believe it is but discussions would need to happen. That’s not for today, though. As it stands, he’s a Newcastle player, and I expect that to remain the case for now at least.”

Who will be Newcastle's forward for Aston Villa game?

With Isak out and Callum Wilson having left the club earlier this summer, Newcastle find themselves light in the striker department.

That leaves just William Osula and young prospect Sean Neave as the only recognised centre-forwards in the squad. Osula, while showing flashes of potential, struggled to impress consistently during pre-season. Neave, meanwhile, is still in the early stages of his development and not yet seen as a first-team regular.

Newcastle have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so far, adding only three new faces: winger Anthony Elanga in a £55 million move, centre-back Malick Thiaw for £34 million, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Arsenal.

With the season already underway and the transfer window still open, fans will be watching closely to see whether reinforcements arrive and whether Alexander Isak’s future becomes any clearer.

Published on: Saturday, August 16, 2025, 03:38 PM IST