Eddie Howe talks Arsenal, team news, summer signings and missing players not in Singapore… | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has been talking to journalists.

The Newcastle United Head Coach giving his pre-Arsenal press conference.

Eddie Howe covering a number of areas of interest.

The United boss chatting about how it has gone in Singapore so far, the challenge Arsenal present on Sunday.

Eddie Howe also talking about the fitness and availability of the players who have travelled to the Far East, as well as speaking about players who weren’t on that flight…

Newcastle United official coverage of the Eddie Howe pre-Arsenal press conference – 26 July 2025:

On the first few couple of days in Singapore…

“It’s been really good. The natural challenge is the traveling – it’s not so bad for us as coaches but tougher for the players. But we arrived yesterday and had a good training session.

“It is hot, it is humid for the players. We trained again this morning – missed the rain, which is good – but so far so good. We’re really enjoying it.”

On Sunday’s friendly against Arsenal at the Singapore National Stadium…

“There was a bit of fatigue in the training today. The heat was one thing but I think the players were still adjusting to time zones, so I think it’s a definite advantage for Arsenal tomorrow, having been here for much longer than we have.

“But it’s a pre-season game, so we just want to get certain bits from the game; we want to be fitter, we want to be tactically better. We’re up against a really good opponent so I think the game’s a great one for us in terms of how we perform.

“Still, I think, we’re building towards our best levels. The most important thing is how we play against Aston Villa (on the first day of the season), not these games, but we need to get something from it.”

On team news ahead of the game…

“The squad at the moment is in a very good place, Alex (Isak) apart. Lewis Hall joined in today for his first very mini part of training. He didn’t join the full lot but it was great to see him back with the team.

“The players were very excited to see him back. Other than that, we’ve got a clean bill of health.”

On Martin Dubravka, who didn’t travel to Singapore…

“The plan for Martin is to join us in Korea.”

On new signing Anthony Elanga…

“Anthony’s done really well so far. I think it’s always a challenge to get new players in for us, because we’ve had a consistent group playing the way that I want them to play for so long. People like Bruno (Guimaraes), now he understands this, he could do it in his sleep now, but for new players that come in, of course it’s different requirements from team to team.

“We ask a lot of our wide players so it’s a big challenge to get all the information and the understanding quickly. I have to say, in training I think he’s done really well. He’s firstly displayed a great attitude – he’s always got a big smile on his face, he’s trained really well. I’m really excited about what he can bring to the team this year.”

On Alexander Isak’s fitness…

“With his injury, I’ve got no major update on that. He first mentioned his thigh just before the Celtic game and we assumed it would a be very minimal injury, nothing too serious.

“Then on the Monday after the Celtic game, he went in from training very early, didn’t feel right, so he’s now in Newcastle getting that injury assessed. Hopefully he’ll be back soon playing in the black and white shirt. That’s what we all want to see.”

On speculation around the Swedish striker’s future…

“Of course there’s things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware he’s in the news every day, and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation.

“Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons. We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room and we’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.

“All I would say on the broader picture is whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle. We’re in a very strong position financially, we’re determined to be successful, we are ambitious, we’ve got a great season ahead of us. We need to add to the squad and continue to improve, and the journey can continue on an upwards trajectory. I think that’s what we all want so that’s what we’re battling to try and achieve.”