Newcastle United hope to have top scorer Alexander Isak available to face Everton this weekend.
Newcastle host the Toffees at St James’ Park on Sunday (kick-off 4pm) knowing a win will guarantee Champions League qualification for a second time in three seasons.
And Magpies’ supporters hope to have top scorer Isak back for the occasion after he missed last weekend’s 1-0 defeat away to Arsenal.
What Eddie Howe said about Alexander Isak’s injury
Isak travelled with his teammates to North London the day before the game but after feeling some discomfort in his groin at the team hotel was left out of the matchday squad.
The Sweden international was immediately sent for a scan, which showed inflammation. When asked after the Arsenal game if Isak would be fit to face Everton, Howe couldn’t give a definite answer.
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, so he went for a scan this morning [Sunday], 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.”
Isak has had a history of minor groin issues dating back to last season. Most recently, he missed the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in February. However, Howe played down suggestions Isak require surgery.
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Howe added: “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.”
Newcastle United training ground update
Newcastle’s media team have shared photos of the team training on Wednesday - and there was no sign of Isak.
It could mean nothing. For example, Sven Botman wasn’t pictured in training last week following a knock to the knee but started at the Emirates Stadium. That said, it could also be a hint.
Howe is set to provide an update on Isak when he speaks to the media on Friday morning.
Alexander Isak called up to Sweden squad
The Swedish FA’s announcement on Wednesday has given some encouragement regarding Isak after he was named in the national team squad for friendlies against Hungary and Algeria on June 6 and June 10, respectively.
There is, of course, the possibility that Isak can withdraw from Jon Dahl Tomasson’s squad but Newcastle supporters hope it means his groin problem isn’t too serious.
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