Newcastle United Training Session
Alexander Isak was pictured in training after limping out of Newcastle’s cup defeat to Brighton (Picture: Getty)
There are hopes Alexander Isak could be fit to feature against West Ham after the forward was pictured being put through his paces in Newcastle training on Wednesday.
Isak missed Newcastle’s Premier League defeat at Liverpool due to a groin problem but returned to Eddie Howe’s starting XI at Brighton on Sunday.
The 25-year-old opened the scoring from the penalty spot midway through the first half and showed glimpses of his frightening best in what proved to be a thrilling FA Cup fifth-round tie at St James’ Park.
But the Sweden international hobbled off the pitch and was replaced by Callum Wilson in the 86th minute, unable to play a part as Danny Welbeck hit the target in extra-time to deny the Magpies a place in the quarter-finals.
It’s been a difficult few days for the Toon, with a foot injury ruling Lewis Hall out for the remainder of the season and Anthony Gordon set to miss the side’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool through suspension.
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Howe will also be without Sven Botman for the foreseeable future as the Dutch central defender requires surgery on his knee.
‘He had some tightness in his body, but not an injury,’ Howe told reporters when asked for an update on Isak after Newcastle’s defeat to Brighton.
Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Isak was forced off before Newcastle were knocked out of the FA Cup (Picture: Getty)
‘The longer it went on, the greater the risk so he was taken off before any problems.
‘We need the week to dust ourselves down and regroup, as we have been tested. We had a small squad, we couldn’t get Sven [Botman] fit and we can’t afford to lose anyone else.
‘It’s an opportunity missed, I felt that. It’s tough and hugely disappointing but there is nothing we can do.’
Newcastle United Training Session
The Swede has scored 22 goals in 31 games for Newcastle this term (Picture: Getty)
Newcastle United Training Session
Isak was all smiles at Darsley Park (Picture: Getty)
Howe is expected to provide another update on Isak’s fitness when he faces the media for his pre-match press conference for the trip to West Ham on Friday afternoon.
But there are encouraging signs that Newcastle’s talisman and top goalscorer – who has scored 22 goals in 31 games this season – could be ready to play a role in next Monday’s clash at the London Stadium.
Pictures from Newcastle’s Darsley Park training ground on Wednesday showed Isak in good spirits, performing running and ball-control drills out on the grass.
While Isak was sporting some heavy strapping below his right knee, this has been the case for much of the season for the former Real Sociedad striker and should not overly concern Newcastle fans.
Newcastle have suffered two defeats from their last three matches in the Premier League and will look to close the gap on the top four with victory over the Hammers in four days’ time.
Howe will be praying his squad are hit by no further injuries in the lead-up to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where the club are looking to end their 70-year wait for a major trophy.
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