Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday due to a groin problem. The Newcastle striker, who has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season, withdrew from the squad for the trip to the Emirates Stadium after a flare-up of a groin issue that has previously impacted him during the campaign.

For weeks, the Newcastle United head coach has told anyone who would listen that nothing will be decided until the final day, that the skirmish for a Champions League place would go down to the wire.

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe refused to guarantee that Alexander Isak would be staying over the summer. After defeat at Arsenal on Sunday, Howe was asked about the status of his striker, who is being linked with the Gunners.

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Newcastle had perhaps gained a reputation as a selling club under previous owner Mike Ashley, but the financial clout of the current regime has changed the picture at St James’ Park and astute investment off the pitch has helped them to end their 70-year domestic trophy drought and compete for Champions League qualification.