Alexander Isak missed Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal because of a groin issue.
Isak is understood to have travelled to London on Saturday night ahead of facing Arsenal but was left out of the matchday squad after experiencing some discomfort in his groin.
As a result, the Swede was sent for a precautionary scan on the morning of the game as the Magpies lost 1-0 following Declan Rice’s 55th-minute strike.
The defeat means Eddie Howe’s side head into next weekend’s season finale at St James’ Park needing to beat Everton in order to secure Champions League qualification
Newcastle United issue Alexander Isak injury update
And United may have to do it without their top scorer, something they have struggled to do this campaign, In the four games he’s missed, Howe’s men have failed to win and scored just once, which was a penalty converted by Anthony Gordon in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September.
When asked if Isak would be available versus Everton, Howe said: “Yeah, that's unknown. I don't know at this moment in time. “He only felt pain really after training.
“He felt fine during training and then just a bit of stiffness, really so he went for a scan this morning really purely as a precaution. But then it became obvious he wasn't going to be fit to play. So I don't know.
“I think a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.”
Alexander Isak surgery fears allayed
Isak has been nursing a groin issue at various points in the season, last missing the 2-0 defeat away to Liverpool in February. That has led to suggestions the striker could require in the summer, however Howe doesn’t believe that to be the case.
Howe said: “I think he's had a couple of groin issues off either side. I think this is one that he had earlier in the season.
Read More
“I don't think this is a surgery issue. I don't think it's something that needs mending. It certainly probably needs looking at as to why he's getting these sort of groin complaints. But yeah, it's definitely not a surgery issue.
“It's probably more of a what's he doing to strengthen that area issue, which we'll of course look at and focus on.”
Callum Wilson on standby for Newcastle United again
In Isak’s absence, Howe handed Callum Wilson only his second Premier League start of the season but he failed to make an impact at the Emirates.
That said, it is likely the 33-year-old, whose only goal of the season came against Birmingham City in the FA Cup in February, will retain his place against Everton, should Isak be unavailable.
And that could mark his last appearance for the Magpies with the nine-capped England international out of contract on June 30.
Continue Reading