The reason why Alexander Isak is not part of Newcastle United’s friendly against Celtic in the inaugural Adidas Trophy has been revealed.
The Magpies are back for their first pre-season game in front of a crowd ahead of a busy 2025/26 season.
Eddie Howe would have liked more signings present at this game, but can still take some comfort in Anthony Elanga’s inclusion. However, the big question is whether Alexander Isak was going to be a part of the game.
Newcastle United rebuffed an approach from Liverpool for Isak earlier this week, but he has not been seen in videos ahead of the teamsheet being announced. Liverpool fans are hoping they can sign Isak as well as Hugo Ekitike, but Newcastle are eager to keep him on Tyneside.
With Newcastle set to play in their first pre-season game of the season with around 10,000 Geordies travelling to Scotland, Howe has made a call to not include Isak in the matchday squad.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesAlexander Isak not included in Newcastle United’s matchday squad
The 25-year-old missed international duty with Sweden at season’s end due to a lingering groin issue he managed throughout last season. There was some initial worry that he was not part of the Newcastle squad that travelled to Austria for a pre-season camp, but he later arrived with Sandro Tonali.
However, Isak has not been included in the matchday squad to play Celtic, making many wonder if it is to do with the approach from Liverpool.
Newcastle have not officially commented on his absence publicly, but Chris Waugh of The Athletic has stated that his minutes are being managed. It could be a case that his groin is still not 100%, so he will be phased in more cautiously than other players.
#NUFC XI vs Celtic: Pope; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Targett; Guimaraes, Miley, Willock; Murphy, Osula, Barnes
(No Alexander Isak, whose minutes are being managed is the official line…)
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) July 19, 2025
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Lewis Hall also misses out, but that was expected as he is still recovering from his season-ending injury. Matt Targett has taken his place.
Joelinton also misses out for Newcastle United’s friendly against Celtic
The game should be a fantastic event for all involved, with two teams set to play in the Champions League next season after memorable campaigns.
Newcastle have also set a record for the most away fans to visit Celtic Park, with a staggering 10,000 in Glasgow for the game. It is also a chance at some uncompetitive silverware for Newcastle. The Adidas trophy is up for grabs, with the winner becoming the first team to ever win it.
While Isak is a major absence, it has also been confirmed that Joelinton is being kept out of the game for the same reason as Isak.
Joelinton struggled with a knee injury towards the end of last season, finally succumbing and being forced to miss the final three games. In an interview, Joelinton admitted his injury was difficult to manage, but he has taken part in training since returning in early July.
He is still expected to be part of pre-season later down the line.