Howe confirms Isak selection call; Chelsea want new signings

Welcome to Friday's round up of press conferences from the Premier League's managers ahead of opening weekend.

An olive branch has also been extended to the striker who has made his desperation to depart clear.

🙋🏻‍♂️ Has Eddie Howe asked Isak to play tomorrow?

🗣️ “I want him to play and I’ve had those conversations. But the details need to remain private.”

🙋🏻‍♂️ Is there a way back for him at #NUFC?

🗣️ “Yes I believe so. But discussions and talks would have to take place for that to… pic.twitter.com/QqaxUgBEBg

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 15, 2025

Elsewhere, Eddie Howe does anticipate still having exiled striker Alexander Isak in his squad when the transfer window closes - although he has been left out for their opening weekend clash with Aston Villa.

Eddie Howe when asked if Alexander Isak will be here in September: : "At the moment I would say yes, but I've had no change of feeling throughout the summer. He's contracted to us but it's out of my hands." #NUFC

— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 15, 2025

Chelsea's Enzo Maresca has called upon the club to make another signing following the ACL injury to Levi Colwill.

🚨🔵 Enzo Maresca: “The club knows what I think, we need a central defender in my view after Colwill’s injury… but we are looking internally for a defender”. pic.twitter.com/asUo9hyzk6

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 15, 2025

An injury update was also provided by the Tottenham head coach.

SPURS | Destiny Udogie is closing in on a return from injury but won’t recover in time to face Burnley.

❌ Kulusevski, Takai, Dragusin, Maddison

Other than that, Thomas Frank says he has no new concerns.

Dominic Solanke returned in the Super Cup.#FPL | #THFC 🐓 pic.twitter.com/JkOavdHDZ2

— Fantasy Football Scout (@FFScout) August 15, 2025

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has came out strongly against fans who racially abused striker Mathys Tel in the wake of their Super Cup loss to PSG.

“There's no real Tottenham supporter that would ever do that.”

Thomas Frank with a message for Mathys Tel 🤍 pic.twitter.com/DQnXswYYUA

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 15, 2025

First up, Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler does not expect Manchester United target Carlos Baleba to depart before the deadline.

"Very, very, very confident!"

Fabian Hurzeler believes Carlos Baleba will stay at Brighton despite links to a move away from the club 👀 pic.twitter.com/ocDODW4Okf

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 15, 2025

Ahead of the fixtures, we will provide updates from several managers ahead of their opening games.

The Premier League is back! The action returns tonight with an opening day showdown between champions Liverpool and Bournemouth.