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Newcastle United will assess the fitness of Alexander Isak, Kieran Trippier and Joelinton after the 2-1 win versus Brentford.
Eddie Howe’s side beat Brentford 2-1 at St James’ Park on Wednesday night in their first match since winning the Carabao Cup. Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty cancelled out Alexander Isak’s opener but the Magpies found a winner when Sandro Tonali’s cross-turned-shot caught goalkeeper Mark Flekken out at his near post.
Isak was withdrawn 10 minutes before Tonali’s strike and replaced by Callum Wilson. Speaking after the game, Howe confirmed the Sweden international, who has become the first Newcastle player in Premier League history to score 20+ goals in consecutive seasons, was feeling his groin.
Alexander Isak injury update
“You’re defined by ability to score goals in this league, and your attacking players really have to take that responsibility,” said Howe. “I think he’s (Isak) done that unbelievably well since he’s been here.
“It’s not easy to do. I don’t think this was his finest game, and I don’t think he’ll be surprised at me saying that. But he was in the right place at the right time. He maybe got a bit of luck with the finish, but he’s done that consistently, he’s always in the right place.
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“I think on another day he would have scored more, but I don’t think he was 100%. That’s why we withdrew him. We hope it’s nothing too serious, but he just wasn’t feeling 100% in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him.”
Kieran Trippier & Joelinton also injured
Like Isak, Kieran Trippier also had to withdraw in the closing stages. The 34-year-old had picked up where he left off at Wembley by putting in an accomplished display at right-back.
“He said it was like a cramp sensation in his groin,” Howe revealed. “We hope it’s nothing serious, but that is the negative today. We’ve got a few niggles, and we just hope they’re nothing serious. We have such a small squad, as you could see from our bench, so we can’t afford to pick up any more injuries.”
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Joelinton played the full game, despite his knee being heavily strapped. The Brazilian had looked to be struggling before receiving on-field treatment midway through the second half.
Howe said: “I think he (Joelinton) epitomises the mentality we need. It’s win at all costs. He’s always there for you in training, Joey, he’s always there for me. He’s a standard bearer in that respect, and you need players like that to set the example for everyone else to follow.
“I think his knee was causing him a bit of discomfort today, it’s the knee that he’s suffered from before. I don’t think he was 100 per cent fit, but it would have taken a lot for Joe to have come off the pitch today. But that’s where we need to assess every little niggle we have and make sure everyone is okay for Monday.”
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