Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Newcastle against Brighton in the FA Cup
Top form: Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have scored more Premier League goals this season than Alexander Isak
Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
Newcastle have been handed a huge fitness boost with Alexander Isak firmly on track to play against West Ham and in next week’s Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool.
Isak was a surprise absentee from the recent 2-0 Premier League defeat at Anfield with a groin issue, having scored a brace in the thrilling 4-3 home victory over Nottingham Forest.
The Swedish international made a swift return to Newcastle’s starting XI in the FA Cup last weekend and opened the scoring against Brighton, only to be withdrawn late on in an agonising 2-1 fifth round loss at St James’ Park - their third defeat in the last four matches.
Manager Eddie Howe said after that game that there were “fingers crossed” his star striker was okay, suggesting he was just tired.
Isak later took part in media preview duties for the Carabao Cup final, raising hopes that he would be ready for the game at Wembley on March 16.
Howe would loathe to be without him for such a big game, with the 25-year-old having scored 22 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions so far this term. Only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have netted more in the Premier League.
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West Ham vs Newcastle: Prediction, kick-off time, team news, odds, h2h
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In a new update on Isak ahead of Monday night’s Premier League trip to West Ham, Howe told reporters: “He's fine. He came off (on Sunday) feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he's trained every day this week.”
Newcastle’s preparation for the Carabao Cup final has been disastrous so far, with Sven Botman set to undergo knee surgery and fellow defender Lewis Hall having already been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury sustained against Liverpool last month that also needs an operation.
To make matters much worse still, Anthony Gordon is suspended for the game after being sent off against Brighton for raising his hands to the face of defender Jan Paul van Hecke, meaning Newcastle will be missing their first-choice left side at Wembley.
Howe initially did not rule out a potential appeal against the decision, but the Magpies later decided against it with seemingly very limited chance of success. Newcastle have also been without club captain Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier of late due to injury.
More to follow