Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has spoken out in his Carabao Cup pre-match press conference to deliver an update on Alexander Isak’s availability.
The Magpies will return to action in the Carabao Cup tomorrow evening after having their clash with AFC Wimbledon rescheduled and relocated to St James’ Park due to flooding damage at Plough Lane.
Eddie Howe will be feeling even more confident about his team’s chances of progression from the third round of the League Cup after gaining an unforeseen home advantage, but will also take confidence from their Premier League performance at the weekend.
The North East giants welcomed current champions Manchester City to St James’ in the early kick-off on Saturday, shaking off their recent run of concerning form to hold Pep Guardiola’s impressive side to a draw in front of the home support.
This left Newcastle comfortably in competition for European qualification despite dropping to seventh in the Premier League, only three points adrift of knocking Chelsea out of the top four.
However, the Geordies are more than familiar with the first-team injury issues that have plagued and restricted their progression over the last 12 months, and it looks like they are yet to be on the other side of it.
Alexander Isak was missing from the celebrations of sharing spoils with Man City over the weekend after suffering a broken toe and Howe has now given an update on when supporters can expect to see their star man return.
The former AFC Bournemouth manager spoke out this morning in a pre-match press conference ahead of Wimbledon:
“With Alex, we’re not ruling him out,” said Howe.
“We’re sort of assessing him on a daily basis as there is a chance he could be fit for Everton if everything falls into place. Of course, we have a decision to make on whether we play him or leave him knowing he’d be OK two weeks afterwards.”
When will Alexander Isak return to action?
Howe will have a difficult decision to make in the coming days, with new signing William Osula likely to take the centre-forward spot against Wimbledon.
Before the international break commences, the Magpies will need to go to Goodison Park in the Premier League and taking all three points away from the blue side Merseyside would put them in advantageous position ahead of the pause of action.
The Newcastle boss has claimed that they will continue to assess Isak’s situation, so it could be that things change in the days before they travel to the North West, but it would be ideal for Isak to return to kill any momentum Everton have gained following their victory over Crystal Palace last weekend.
The Swedish striker has been a phenomenon for Newcastle since his arrival in 2022 with 36 goals and six assists over 73 appearances, offering a goal contribution every 122 minutes, which has been the catalyst in the club’s rise from relegation troubles to Champions League football.
However, his injury record is a huge concern, especially with his position competitor Callum Wilson also prone to regular fitness issues and no new incomings over the summer who can match his quality.
With that being said, international break could not have come at a better time for Howe as it will give Isak the opportunity to fully recover in time for the congested winter fixture list ahead of them.
