Crystal Palace FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
Alexander Isak was forced off during Newcastle’s draw at Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has not trained since taking a ‘knock to his hip’ against Crystal Palace but has not yet been ruled out of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.
The Sweden international only played 22 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, replaced by Harvey Barnes after suffering a painful knock.
The 25-year-old is an important player for Howe and an absence during a very busy period of the season would be a serious blow for the Magpies boss.
However, while Howe was a little coy on Isak’s availability, he played down the severity of the injury.
‘He took a knock to his hip and wasn’t able to carry on,’ Howe told a press conference on Tuesday of Isak’s status. ‘We haven’t seen him in training yet but I don’t think it’s a long term injury. We’ll wait and see.
‘It’ll be time and pain management – and how quickly it settles down.’
Isak himself provided a positive take on his fitness, telling beIN Sports: ‘I am fine. It was really painful, a bad knock, but I’ve responded well.’
Crystal Palace FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
Eddie Howe has suffered back-to-back disappointing results (Picture: Getty Images)
Dan Burn has also been in pain with an ankle problem, but is continuing to play and is expected to be involved against Liverpool.
Howe said of the defender: ‘Dan got through the game really well, I have to say. When he got suspended, we used that as a chance to try and rest his ankle and get it 100 per cent. He had a mixed time in that period where he didn’t play, as in, it didn’t feel right. He’s been to see a couple of specialists, really minimum training time.
‘I thought he was outstanding with all things considered at Crystal Palace.’
Newcastle face a tough test in the Premier League leaders, especially after a disappointing home loss to West Ham and draw at Palace which saw the Magpies concede an injury time equaliser.
Crystal Palace FC v Newcastle United FC - Premier League
Daniel Munoz scored the late equaliser for Palace against Newcastle (Picture: Getty Images)
However, after encouraging results before that, Howe is confident his team can handle the form side in the country.
‘I think we’re always confident at home,’ he said. ‘I think regardless of the opponent, we have to be our best selves and we have to learn lessons from previous games and find ways to evolve and improve.
‘Very recently we beat Chelsea in the cup and Arsenal at home – there’s absolutely no reason why we can’t continue that positive run.
‘We have to view the game for what it is. We have to, as I say, nullify their threats. We have to be strong defensively, but we have to bring our strengths as well and our strengths are unique to us when we’re playing at home.’
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