Manchester City know the race for Champions League football is going right down to the wire
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Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is an injury doubt for the final game of the season.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe could not give any guarantees that Alexander Isak would be fit to feature for the Magpies in their final game of the season against Everton next weekend.
The Swedish striker is one of the best forwards in world football at present and has played a major role in Newcastle's success this season. Isak has scored 27 goals and registered six assists in 41 games in all competitions but was forced to sit out the Magpies' trip to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners ran out 1-0 winners at The Emirates Stadium, with Isak picking up a groin injury in the lead-up to the game. That result means Manchester City still have Champions League football in their own control ahead of the clash with Bournemouth on Wednesday evening and can move above Newcastle with a win.
Three points against the Cherries would put City in pole position to qualify for Europe's elite competition on the final day of the season on Sunday.
Guardiola's side could finish on 71 points with wins in their final two games of the season, with a game in hand on the likes of Newcastle, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle could also drop out of the top five if they lose to Everton and other results go against them in the final game of the season, with City taking on Fulham on Sunday 26th at the same time.
“I don’t know the answer to that question," Howe said when quizzed about Isak's availability for their all-important clash with Everton next weekend. "It’s far too early to make an assessment on whether he will or he won’t. I think he’s got a chance. I don’t know any more than that.
“He had a scan this morning and felt a little bit of stiffness last night after travelling down. He didn’t feel anything during training. Had the scan and it showed some swelling so we took him out of the game and we hope we can get him ready for next week.”
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