Howe was speaking after their 1-1 draw with Tottenham in Sunday's preseason friendly in Seoul.
Isak is now back in Newcastle after spending last week training at former club Real Sociedad. Despite his transfer request and Liverpool's failed £110m offer, Howe is hopeful of Isak still staying.
With Newcastle set to fly back to Tyneside tonight, Howe said: "Of course I'd like him to be, but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time.
"Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home."
He also told ChronicleLive: "It was a good competitive game. We did not start well but I was pleased with the second half."
The match marked a farewell for departing Tottenham captain Heung-min Son, who was applauded by both sets of players as he left the pitch in a second-half substitution.
Howe added: "The reaction was instinctive from my players. I think that speaks volumes about him. It's not just the talent he has but the way he has carried himself over the years.
"I think he's seen as one of the game's great Premier League players. I've never had the pleasure of working with him or meeting him and talking to him but I'm sure he would be the same as he is on the pitch."