Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is fit to play against West Ham United
Alexander Isak is fit to feature when Newcastle make the trip to face West Ham United this weekend.
There were concerns over the Magpies' star striker's fitness after he was replaced during their FA Cup defeat to Brighton, when the tie was still in the balance. The Sweden international has been declared fit by boss Eddie Howe, with the Toon boss allaying any fears that his top scorer would not be available.
Isak missed Newcastle's last Premier League match against Liverpool with a groin injury, but has been involved in the team's training sessions this week. The 25-year-old has netted 22 goals in 31 appearances this term and will hope to improve his record this weekend.
"He's fine," Howe revealed on Friday. "He came off (on Sunday) feeling fatigued, a tightness in his body. But he's trained every day this week"
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Howe had more disappointing injury news to reflect upon to however. While Anthony Gordon will miss Newcastle's next three matches, including the Carabao Cup final versus Liverpool, both Lewis Hall and Sven Botman have been ruled out for an extended period.
Hall has seen his season end with a foot injury suffered against Liverpool, while Dutch defender Botman has been forced to go under the knife. The former Lille star was near a return from injury last weekend but his latest setback sees any comeback delayed for around eight weeks.
"We're really disappointed for Lewis," said Howe. "We are devastated for him. He had so much to look forward to.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool is challenged by Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Lewis Hall has seen an impressive season come to an end
"He had the cup final and then internationals coming up, he was in really good form. It is a big blow for him and for us."
"With Sven, we have been trying to get him back to full fitness," Howe added. "He was very close to the Brighton game but the day before he felt something again in his knee. This week he has had the same discomfort, so it looks like he will have to have an operation.
"He needs a small operation to clear out some fluid and then he should be fine again. We hope he should be back in about eight weeks."
Nevertheless, Howe has faith in his squad despite a testing seven days of news. "It has been one of those weeks that challenges you," he said.
"In the job that I am in, you need to have a level head, clear thinking and put it into perspective. We still have a very strong squad, a very strong team.
"We are going to miss the players that we are going to lose and that’s a big disappointment, but it is always someone else’s opportunity, and we have to look at it that way."
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