Eddie Howe has refused to answer a question on Alexander Isak after the Newcastle forward was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa.
The 25-year-old is eager to leave Tyneside behind, having had his head turned by Arne Slot's Liverpool.
Isak is adamant he'll never play for Newcastle again, despite the club insisting their talisman isn't for sale.
In his absence, Newcastle have gone with a front three of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga as they look to get their Premier League campaign off to a winning start.
Eddie Howe has refused to answer a question on Alexander Isak after the Newcastle forward was left out of the squad for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Aston Villa
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Howe, prior to kick off, was asked by TNT Sports if he was 'disappointed' by Isak's conduct.
But the former Bournemouth boss refused to answer that question, instead saying: "Now is not the time to discuss that. All my emotions are towards this game.
"This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included."
Howe also insisted that Newcastle are in 'good spirits' as they prepare for their Premier League opener, despite the absence of their star performer.
"No different to how it has been for a number of weeks," he said when asked about the situation.
"We are without him [Alexander Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us.
"We feel in good spirits. It is a strong team he [Unai Emery] picks, so hopefully we go well.
"We believe in the team we have picked today. There have been distractions through pre-season, but that's been for me, and not the players."
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Alexander Isak is determined to leave Newcastle for Liverpool before the transfer window slams shut on September 1
| PAMany Newcastle fans have been left unhappy by Isak's behaviour.
Fans reacting to his absence on social media made their feelings clear, with one supporter saying: "What a little diva man."
A second said: "Fine him and let him rot in the reserves. This oh the player wants to leave c**p needs to end. Under contract, try this and reap the punishment."
And another stated: "Even if he was selected I doubt he'd pull up."
Even without Isak, however, Newcastle have gone strong for their match with Villa.
Nick Pope starts in goal, behind a back four consisting of Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Kieran Trippier.
Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes make up their midfield, with Barnes, Gordon and Elanga then forming their attack.
As for Villa, Unai Emery has gone with Marco Bizot in goal - with first-choice shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez suspended.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has left Alexander Isak out of his squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with Aston Villa
| PAMatty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings and Lucas Digne form the club's defence.
In midfield, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana will serve as anchors with Youri Tielemans playing further ahead.
Morgan Rogers and John McGinn will flank Ollie Watkins up top.