Howe Reveals Newcastle Struggling to Overcome Isak Departure Aftermath

Eddie Howe confessed on Friday that Newcastle continue to grapple with the consequences of Alexander Isak's drawn-out transfer to Liverpool during the summer window.

The Swedish striker essentially refused to play in his bid to move to the Premier League title holders, finally completing a UK record £125 million ($172 million) deal on the final day.

Newcastle reinvested the funds on their highest ever £69 million acquisition Nick Woltemade alongside Yoane Wissa for £55 million.

However, the Magpies boss Howe, with his side set to meet Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, described bedding in the newcomers as a persistent difficulty.

"Losing someone of Alex's calibre... and to be clear, Liverpool shelled out that sum precisely because he is an exceptional player, a true prodigy," he explained.

"We were fortunate to have him with us for those years. We truly enjoyed coaching him.

"He excelled on the pitch. Removing a talent like that from the squad undoubtedly alters the balance, no question."

Howe noted the task of sourcing replacements who might match Isak's scoring prowess at Newcastle.

The German star Woltemade has notched nine goals across all tournaments for the Magpies this term, whereas Wissa has managed three despite persistent injury troubles.

"We remain in that phase and have been working on it throughout the campaign," Howe continued. "The arrivals have performed admirably in my view.

"Yet we are still discovering methods to maximise the potential of these fresh signings, often without sufficient practice sessions or dedicated preparation time."

Isak is recuperating from ankle surgery that addressed a fibula break, derailing his debut year at Merseyside.

Liverpool's Arne Slot mentioned on Friday that the striker's comeback remains distant.

"He has not stepped onto the field at all," the Dutch coach stated. "They call it a walker; he has only recently ditched it, which indicates he is nowhere near training."

Newcastle sit three points adrift of Liverpool and travel to Anfield encouraged by their midweek 1-1 draw in the Champions League against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Next they tackle Azerbaijan's Qarabag in the upcoming play-offs, vying for a spot in the last 16.

Howe further indicated that Brazilian midfielder Joelinton faces several weeks on the sidelines, rather than months, after groin surgery.