Eddie Howe has once again found himself in the headlines following recent comments about Alexander Isak’s recurring groin injury, an issue that has resurfaced at Liverpool after the striker’s controversial departure from Newcastle United.
Isak, who joined Liverpool for a record-breaking £125 million move in the summer, continues to struggle with fitness problems that had already plagued his time on Tyneside.
What’s worse for the Swedish forward, his new manager Arne Slot has taken a swipe at Newcastle in an attempt to explain the striker’s latest setback a remark that hasn’t gone down well among Magpies supporters.
During Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, Isak was forced off at half-time after yet another flare-up of his groin injury.
It was a familiar sight for Newcastle fans who watched the striker face similar issues multiple times last season. Despite his impressive goalscoring form when fit, Isak’s recurring muscle complaints were a constant concern for Eddie Howe and his medical staff.
Many believed that surgery would eventually be required to fix the problem once and for all, especially after he missed the final weeks of the 2024/25 campaign.
However, Eddie Howe made it clear at the time that surgery was not the right solution. Speaking after a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in May, the Newcastle boss explained that the club’s medical experts didn’t believe Isak’s condition required an operation.
“I don’t think it is a surgery issue,” Howe said. “It’s not something that needs mending. It’s something we need to look at in terms of why he’s getting groin complaints. We’ll focus on what he’s doing to strengthen that area.”
Howe’s comments were made with confidence, reflecting the belief that Isak could manage his groin issues through proper conditioning and strength work rather than going under the knife. Unfortunately, the Swedish striker’s decision to force a transfer in the summer might have set his recovery back significantly.
After a brilliant season in which he scored 27 goals for Newcastle, Isak’s relationship with the club soured when he made it clear he wanted to leave for Liverpool.
He refused to train with the first team for several weeks, effectively going on strike until the deal was completed. That period of inactivity appears to have taken a toll on his physical condition, and his early performances for his new club have lacked sharpness and energy.
Since joining Liverpool, Isak’s form has been underwhelming. He’s failed to score in several matches and looks off the pace compared to the explosive forward Newcastle fans came to adore.
And now, with his groin problems reappearing, questions are being raised about whether his summer actions contributed to his current struggles.
In the wake of Liverpool’s draw with Frankfurt, Arne Slot was asked about Isak’s ongoing fitness problems. His response sparked controversy, as he appeared to shift blame toward Newcastle United. “I don’t think there is a rule that every player’s situation is the same,” Slot said.
“It depends on what he did when he wasn’t training with the team. You also have to consider the impact of moving to a big club like Liverpool. You can’t compare a player who hasn’t trained or played in pre-season for a smaller club than Liverpool. There are many factors.”
While Slot’s remarks may have been intended to defend his player, referring to Newcastle United as a “smaller club” came across as disrespectful particularly given the club’s resurgence under Eddie Howe and their Champions League qualification last season.
It also ignored the core issue: Isak’s current struggles are the direct result of his own decisions. He refused to train with Newcastle during the summer, effectively halting his fitness progress and leaving him unprepared for the demands of a new season at a new club.
The irony is not lost on Newcastle supporters, who remember Isak’s brilliance but also his stubborn exit. He was adored at St. James’ Park for his composure, creativity, and lethal finishing, but his final weeks in black and white left a sour taste.
For Howe and his squad, his absence was quickly filled with new arrivals like Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who have both stepped up impressively since his departure.
Slot’s comments, meanwhile, have done little to help his player or his new club. Suggesting that Newcastle were somehow responsible for Isak’s physical problems feels unfair and inaccurate.
The fact remains that Newcastle managed his injuries carefully, worked to strengthen his conditioning, and helped him perform at an elite level. The breakdown only began when the player himself stopped cooperating.
Now, as Isak faces another spell on the sidelines, the contrast between his current struggles and Newcastle’s continued progress couldn’t be clearer. Eddie Howe’s men have moved on, building a balanced, powerful attacking side without their former star.
For Isak, however, the groin issues and the shadow of his own choices still linger reminders that sometimes, the grass isn’t greener on the other side, no matter how big the club might be.
