Aston Villa vs. Newcastle: Alexander Isak, Malick Thiaw, Joe Willock updates provided by Eddie Howe before Premier League opener

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has provided the latest update on his squad ahead of their opening Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season against Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.

The Magpies have experienced a challenging summer in which they failed to win any of their six pre-season matches (D2 L4) and have been left frustrated in the transfer market, missing out on several top targets and still facing the prospect of losing star striker Alexander Isak.

Premier League champions Liverpool are pursuing a record deal for Isak, who has allegedly gone on strike at Newcastle and has made it clear that he will never play for the club again after expressing his desire to explore his options.

Newcastle are reluctant to sell Isak, who still has three years remaining on his contract, and they are unwilling to entertain offers below their £150m asking price for the 25-year-old Sweden international.

Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Villa Park, Howe has confirmed that Isak will not be involved and there is no change to the striker’s situation heading into the final few weeks of the transfer window.

Howe: ‘Isak’s situation has been unchanged for a while’

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Howe said: "There's no change to the situation. All of my focus has been on the training, Aston Villa and the transfer front in terms of trying to get players in.

“You can imagine what that is all consuming. Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while and that continues to be the case.

"I've had a great relationship with Alex. We need to have that partnership with every player. I have to work closely with the players and try to improve, educate and sometimes console them.

“There's so many different emotions that players go through and I always want to be there for them in every way.

"I don't think he would have done as well as he has without that and without his teammates, the supporters and backing of the football club. He recognises that.

“He's a highly intelligent person and knows he wouldn't have that success here without everybody connected with Newcastle."

Howe provides Thiaw, Willock update before Villa trip

Howe is having to adapt in the final third without the presence of Isak and Callum Wilson, who has joined West Ham United after leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract in June, but the Magpies boss is trying to remain upbeat ahead of the new season.

"It's great to be back,” said Howe. “When you look through the summer, you think it is going to be a long break and pre-season, but it kind of flashes by and here we are.

"Lots of work has been going on behind-the-scenes, the players are ready to play and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Howe has confirmed that Newcastle’s latest signing Malick Thiaw - a £34.6m defensive addition from AC Milan - is in contention to make his Premier League debut, while midfielder Joe Willock is his only absentee as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

"Everyone is available apart from Joe [Willock] and he's not too far away himself. We have a relatively good looking squad in terms of injury news. We've worked the players hard, they've been challenged through pre-season but the majority have come through.

"Malick [Thiaw] will be part of the squad. He has trained two days, never easy coming in right at the end of pre-season because a lot of our work is already done and our structures are in place, but he's doing well."

Newcastle have won their opening Premier League match in each of the last three seasons, but they have suffered defeat in five of their last six visits to Aston Villa, including a 4-1 loss in April of last season.