Eddie Howe has just handed Liverpool victory after what he's disclosed about Alexander Isak
Liverpool face Newcastle United on Monday night in what should be a mouthwatering clash.
Not only have the Reds and the Magpies played out some memorable clashes on the pitch, but there is also a glaring subplot.
Arne Slot's side have stalked Alexander Isak this summer to the point where he has issued a statement on his future.
However, with the Swede stuck in the North East for now, Eddie Howe has effectively thrown in the towel after his latest comments.
Eddie Howe confirms Alexander Isak to miss Liverpool clash
Newcastle responded to Isak's statement by saying that an agreement was never in place to let him leave.
The Sweden international was absent for the Magpies' trip to Aston Villa last weekend, which ended in a 0-0 draw.
Indeed, if he had been playing, then it could have been a different narrative as Anthony Elanga spurned a glorious one-on-one opportunity.
- Isak missed the first game of the Premier League season
- Newcastle failed to score, missing some good chances
- Villa were down to 10 men, but the Magpies failed to take advantage
Wayne Rooney believes Newcastle players will want Isak out amid the 25-year-old's behaviour in the North East.
Now, Howe has given Slot's men an enormous boost after what he said to the media ahead of the contest.
"No, there's been no change," said Howe on Isak's current situation in his press conference on Friday.
"Yeah, he won't be part of the squad for this weekend's game."
Arne Slot will face weakened Newcastle United team
Newcastle impressed against Villa last weekend, but Isak's absence was felt as they failed to score against 10 men.
Anthony Gordon led the line for the Magpies, and while he will provide a threat, he is not Isak.
Liverpool demonstrated how lethal they can be against Bournemouth, and Hugo Ekitike could land Howe another blow, having joined the Reds instead of them.
Defensively, Slot's men were weak when they faced the Cherries, and if Isak were playing, then he would have sniffed out goals.
Of course, Newcastle supporters will remind the Merseyside club of what happened in the Carabao Cup final, with the Swede netting a goal.
However, without him in their ranks, the North East club are a weaker opposition and Liverpool will smell blood at St James' Park.
Without getting too carried away, without Isak on the pitch, the three points are there for the taking for Liverpool.
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