Alexander Isak will be given more time to prove his his fitness ahead of Newcastle’s pivotal clash with Everton on Sunday. Eddie Howe’s side host the Toffees, knowing that three points will guarantee a return to the Champions League next season.
A top-five finish would cap a campaign that has already seen Howe’s side lift the League Cup, beating Liverpool FC at Wembley. Striker Isak has been central to their success, with 27 goals in all competitions. However, he missed the defeat to Arsenal last time out with a groin injury, and now Howe has admitted his key man hasn't been able to take part in sessions this week.
"He's doing okay," he said in his pre-match press conference. "He hasn't trained with us yet but he's made good progress through the week. The next couple of days will be absolutely crucial to his availability on Sunday.
Asked if he had a chance of starting Howe added: "Yes, there's a chance. Until he trains with us, we won't fully know how he's going to respond to the training and the demands that the game will place upon him. We'll only play him if he's fit to contribute, but at the moment he has an opportunity."
In what appeared to be a major boost to Howe, the 25-year-old has been named in his country’s squad for their upcoming games. Sweden travel to Hungary for a World Cup qualifier on June 6, before hosting Algeria in a friendly on June 10.
However, according to the Daily Mail, Isak’s selection does not confirm that he’s been declared fit. He’s still said to be rated at 50-50 to face Everton and could yet withdraw from international duty.
The Swedish FA would inevitably have contacted the club about the forward’s fitness and potential availability. Isak has 52 caps for his country and has scored 16 times.