Second player left out of Newcastle United pre-season squad after Alexander Isak
Martin Dubravka is expected to join up with his Newcastle United teammates on the South Korea leg of the trip.
Social media went into meltdown this morning as Alexander Isak was left out of Newcastle United’s squad for their pre-season tour.
Eddie Howe’s men travel to the Far East for games in Singapore and South Korea before completing their 2025-26 preparations with a double-header at St James’ Park. The Magpies kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Celtic on Saturday.
Isak was left out at Parkhead - fuel speculation over his future - as Howe admitted the noise had affected him. NewcastleWorld reported earlier this week that the Swede was training alone while he nursed a thigh injury.
Alexander Isak omission fuels exit talk
A scan showed no serious setback but the Magpies have cited Isak’s injury as the reason why he has been left out. However, with links to Liverpool rampant, many Toon fans are beginning to fear the worst as the 25-year-old silence becomes deafening.
Lewis Hall also trained by himself on the same day as Isak but has made the trip to Asia. Howe will provide an update to the media during the trip - with all eyes on the ongoing transfer saga.
Second Newcastle United player left out
Amid the madness, Martin Dubravka’s exclusion went under the radar. Newcastle named Nick Pope, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Max Thompson and Mark Gillespie in the squad but there was no room for the Slovak.
Dubravka has been at the centre of a transfer storm himself in recent times. He came close to joining the Saudi Pro League in January before penning a short-term contract extension.
The Magpies have targeted a goalkeeper - namely James Trafford - this window but to little avail. Signing another shot-stopper would have allowed Dubravka the chance to leave but, at present, there is little noise regarding his future.
NewcastleWorld understands Dubravka will link up with the Toon squad on the South Korea leg of the tour. K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur await after Newcastle challenge Arsenal in Singapore.
Martin Dubravka after contract extension
Speaking after penning his contract, Dubravka insisted he is “happy” at St James’ Park. He said: "I'm really happy to have extended my time here. I had a really positive discussion with the gaffer and sporting director and we all agreed that it would be best if I stayed here.
"I have a really special connection here with the club, the staff and the fans. My children were born here, so they are Geordies now, and this club holds a special place in my heart. I feel that the team is in a really good place at the moment, with how we are doing in the league and obviously being in two cup competitions is really exciting."