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Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for around £60m in 2022 Alexander Isak has not been named in Newcastle's squad for their pre-season tour of Asia. On Saturday, Magpies boss Eddie Howe said the striker would "absolutely" be part of the squad for their games in Singapore and South Korea. Newcastle have selected a 30-man group for the trip but said Isak "misses out with a minor thigh injury". The Sweden international, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool this summer. The 25-year-old was also left out of Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Celtic as Newcastle began their pre-season fixtures. Earlier this week, Liverpool signed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike for an initial £69m, a player for whom Newcastle had unsuccessfully bid £70m. Newcastle, at least publicly, have maintained that Isak is not for sale and Howe said at the weekend he remains "confident" the player will still be at the club at the start of the season. "I think it's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player, " Howe said after their defeat by Celtic. "Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I've never had any issue with him. " BBC senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel reported last week that Liverpool's pursuit of Isak "suggests they have had some private encouragement" and their interest in the Swede is likely to remain. Meanwhile, defender Lewis Hall has not featured since February with a foot injury but has been included in the Newcastle tour squad as he steps up his recovery before the new season. Newcastle face Arsenal on Sunday 27 July in Singapore before travelling to South Korea to take on a K-League All-Star team on 30 July and Tottenham on 3 August. We asked for your views after Alexander Isak was not named in Newcastle's squad for their Asia tour because of what the Magpies describe as a "minor thigh injury". Here are some of your comments: Gary: If these tours are all about driving commercial revenue, surely you take your star striker regardless of a minor injury? Kevin: Concerning. I hope it is just precaution. It would be really disappointing if he does leave this summer after all the hard work last season to get into the Champions League. Lack of transfers in areas and missing out on targets isn't making me feel any more confident for the coming season either. Martin: Until he comes out and says he wants to leave, he is injured. Full stop. Richard: I hope I am wrong but I do not see Isak being in a Newcastle shirt next season. I think the club will sell, but the way transfers have fallen so far, I worry that we will not be able to recruit to the level we need. Bob: Is "thigh injury" just an excuse and he is on his way out? Be honest - the fans deserve it. If we go into the season with one striker who is not proven we have got no chance. Kevin F: Isak had thigh problems end of last season so this is nothing new. But if it is true then it should have been sorted out by now. I just hope it's nothing more. Mark: I think he is unsettled and can see him moving to another club. If he does, we desperately need other players up front. I hope I am wrong. Richard: Something isn't quite right in my eyes. What really needs to happen here is Isak to come out and say he is staying and that's it, or we are going to have speculation all the time. Is it his agent fuelling the situation by saying: 'Why stay? You could earn mega bucks elsewhere. 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