Eddie Howe makes honest Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike admission before Newcastle clash

Eddie Howe has spoken ahead of Liverpool vs Newcastle United in the Premier League, making an honest admission on Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike after the summer

Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Eddie Howe.(Image: Getty Images)

Eddie Howe has admitted Newcastle United are still grappling with the ramifications of Alexander Isak's controversial summer departure to Liverpool.

The Magpies eventually banked $170 million (£125 million) for their Sweden international striker after he downed tools in a bid to engineer a switch to Anfield. The transfer was completed less than a week after Liverpool snatched a dramatic 3-2 Premier League victory at St James' Park in August, overcoming 10-man Newcastle with a late winner.

Newcastle reinvested the majority of that windfall in club-record $94 million (£69 million) capture Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who arrived for $75 million (£55 million), and as it gears up for Saturday's return fixture on Merseyside, the process of bedding in the expensive duo continues.

When asked how difficult that transition had proved, Newcastle manager Howe said: "It's an ever-challenging thing.

"You lose a player like Alex...and let's put this right, Liverpool paid the money they did because he's an outstanding footballer, an unbelievable talent. We were privileged to have him for the years that we had him. We loved working with him.

"He was an outstanding player. When you take that player away from your team, it's going to change the dynamics, that's for sure. Then you have to try to find a way of, not replacing him, but finding a player or players who can still make the team really effective.

"We're still in that moment and we've been trying to do that all season. I think the guys who have come in have done a very good job.

Alexander Isak is still out of action for Liverpool through injury(Image: (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images))

"But we're still finding ways to get the best out of the new players that we've signed without training, with very minimal time to do any work with them.

"There's been video analysis, talking to them, which is great, but it's not the same as getting the work on the training pitch. They've done really well and they're trying to give the team the best that they have and we are trying to adapt."

Isak is currently sidelined with a fractured fibula and ankle ligament damage that has derailed his debut season with the reigning Premier League champions, and Howe has put the controversy surrounding the transfer behind him.

Instead, his side will need to contend with Hugo Ekitike — the player they had hoped would replace Isak — this weekend.

Howe said: "(He is) A very, very good player. I think it is well known I have liked him for a number of years — I tried to sign him twice.

"He has got a bit of everything. He has great movement, can score with both feet, he's good in the air and dribbles with the ball really well. He is a big talent."

Newcastle sit three places and three points behind Liverpool, whom they defeated in last season's Carabao Cup final, and travel to Anfield buoyed by Wednesday night's 1-1 Champions League draw at holders Paris St Germain.

It heads into the fixture with captain Bruno Guimaraes battling to overcome an ankle injury in time. Midfield colleague Joelinton is expected to be sidelined for weeks rather than months after consulting a specialist in Barcelona this week for an injection to treat his groin issue.