Alexander Isak of Newcastle in action during the Premier League match
Eddie Howe has admitted he had to withdraw Alexander Isak off due to an injury concern against Brentford.
Having watched the Sweden star fire home at the Gallowgate End, there were some perplexed faces in the crowd as the £63million man went off as Brentford tied the game up. But Howe explained why he felt the need to remove Isak from the game when three points were on the line for the Carabao Cup winners.
Howe said: "I think on another day he would have scored more, but I don’t think he was 100 per cent. That’s why we withdrew him.
"We hope it’s nothing too serious, but he just wasn’t feeling 100 per cent in his groin. He was just a little bit unsure in his movement, so that’s why we withdrew him."
Another senior star who didn't see the game out was Kieran Trippier with the full-back taken off for the final throes of the match and replaced by Emil Krafth. Trippier will be assessed at Benton today.
Howe said: "He said it was like a cramp sensation in his groin. 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."
The narrow victory over Brentford also resulted in Joelinton receiving treatment in the second half as the Brazil international struggled with a knee issue. Howe reflected: "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."