Eddie Howe is hoping "electric" Alexander Isak will be fit for Newcastle's clash against Everton on Sunday as the Magpies look to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.
Newcastle head into the final-day Premier League clash with Everton knowing victory at St James’ Park would book them a second trip to Europe’s top table in three seasons. Man City are currently third (68 points), Newcastle are fourth (66 points), Chelsea are fifth (66 points), Aston Villa are sixth (66 points) and Nottingham Forest are seventh (65 points), with goal difference separating fourth to sixth.
Newcastle's top scorer Isak – who has 27 goals this season, including one in the Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool – is fighting to be fit after sitting out last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Arsenal with a groin injury. Asked if the 25-year-old Sweden international had another big moment in him, head coach Howe said: “For sure there’s one left in him.
“We’d love him to be fit and available for the game. He has to be fit to give his best, though, I think that’s clear and we wouldn’t risk him being not able to deliver what he needs to do.
“He has to be free in his movement and everything because he’s that kind of player, he’s electric at his best. So let’s see.”
Isak has been running this week, but had not trained with the rest of the squad ahead of Friday morning’s session, and that means he is touch and go for a crucial game. Howe said: “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, potentially.” Should Isak not make it, Howe at least has options with Callum Wilson, fellow England international Anthony Gordon and raw youngster Will Osula candidates to replace him.
Asked if he was confident his star frontman could be replaced, Howe said: “I am confident because I don’t think we are ever truly reliant on one player. The team’s strength is the team.
“Yes, to have a good team you need good individuals within it, but we pride ourselves on being very team-orientated and team-focused because we know every single member of it is so important to the delivery of what we do. And that will be the case if Alex doesn’t make it. Someone else has to step up and grab the mantle.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, know a win at Nottingham Forest on Sunday will secure Champions League qualification for Enzo Maresca's side. Anything but three points, though, could see the Blues playing Europa League football next season with Aston Villa making the trip to Manchester United.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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