Alexander Isak is not playing today because of a continuing dispute between the player and Newcastle United about his desire to leave the club and the club's refusal to sanction his transfer, particularly a high-value bid from Liverpool that Newcastle has declined. The ongoing situation has led to Isak being left out of the match squad and training separately from the main team, with Newcastle's manager Eddie Howe stating that Isak will not be involved in the match against Liverpool and that the current situation is regrettable but unresolved. Isak posted publicly about his frustrations over broken promises from the club regarding a move, but Newcastle insists no formal agreement was made to let him leave at this time. Despite this, Howe hopes to reintegrate Isak into the team if the issues can be resolved. Isak is currently under contract and not playing due to this complex situation, rather than an injury or disciplinary action.