Kieran Trippier issues big Newcastle United injury hint & Alexander Isak latest ahead of Everton clash.
The Magpies host Everton at St James’ Park knowing a win will guarantee Champions League qualification for a second time in three seasons. Anything less will force them to rely on results elsewhere going in their favour.
United’s goal difference gives them the upper hand as Chelsea travel to Forest and Villa face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Kieran Trippier drops Newcastle United return hint
Trippier was a doubt heading into the game after missing the last two matches against Chelsea and Arsenal with a calf issue.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe said: “He's a player again, probably in a similar situation to Alex. He hasn't trained with us yet and he's had an absence of maybe two, two and a half weeks.
“But he has a chance maybe in the next couple of days to build up his load and maybe we'll see him train tomorrow. Let's wait and see.”
But the 34-year-old looks set to be involved, providing a hint on social media. On his official Instagram page, Trippier posted a preview graphic of the Everton match.
In the two matches Trippier has missed, the right-back hasn’t uploaded his matchday graphic.
Alexander Isak latest
As well as Trippier, Newcastle hope to welcome back top scorer Alexander Isak after he missed the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last weekend with a groin issue.
Isak travelled to North London with his teammates but was sent for a scan on the morning of the match after feeling some discomfort in his groin.
As of Friday morning, the Swede hadn’t trained with his teammates, instead being restricted to individual training. The plan was to reintroduce Isak to training on Saturday.
“He is doing okay,” said Howe on Friday. “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.
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“There's a chance. It's difficult to give any more than that really. 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.
“Obviously this week he's been training just individually and building up his load. So he's been running and feels okay at the moment. But of course running is one thing and kicking a ball and doing all the other things that you need to do is another.
“So far what he's been asked to do, he's done it pain-free and he's done it well. The next two days will be absolutely crucial.”
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