Finally some good news for Newcastle - Huge relief as new injury fears become clearer
After a spate of recent injury woes and concerns, Newcastle fans can breathe a slight sigh of relief that one of their top stars looks to have avoided injury and should be fit for the Carabao Cup final.
After losing Lewis Hall to a season-ending injury, Sven Botman to knee surgery that will keep him out of the final and Anthony Gordon to a three-game ban, it's been a punishing week filled with blow after blow.
Alexander Isak, who failed to complete 90 minutes against Brighton in the recent FA Cup loss, was subject to a number of rumours surrounding his fitness, with tightness in his groin an ongoing concern.
However, there is FINALLY some good news to share on that front ahead of a vital few weeks for Eddie Howe's Mags.
Isak eases injury fears
At a recent Sky Sports media day ahead of the Carabao Cup final, a number of players conducted interviews and other press obligations for the club,
Whilst players like Jacob Murphy were in attendance, all eyes were on Alexander Isak for his attendance and fitness capabilities. And to the relief of Newcastle fans everywhere, it looks like this season’s top scorer is OK.
Sky's North-East reporter Keith Downie was in attendance on Wednesday afternoon, and has provided some insight into Isak’s fitness in the days following the FA cup exit, along with Mark Douglas at the i.
Writing on X, Douglas outlined that Isak is "fine" and would not be performing typical press duties to preview the final if he was ruled out of the game.
Downie meanwhile commented that Isak was “moving well and in good spirits ahead of the upcoming games”, urging fans to 'not let the rumours get out of control' after fears he would miss upcoming games against West Ham and Liverpool.
If that wasn't enough, photos from training this week show Alexander Isak in action and full of smiles. The first image from today's gallery shows Isak in the first photo, shutting down suggestions he's injured.
How may Newcastle lineup in attack?
Eddie Howe faces a difficult decision with a must-win league game away at the London Stadium coming just six days prior to the Carabao Cup final.
Against a physical outfit, we must build momentum and get our European hopes back on track with a win, but many question whether we should play it safe with Isak and wrap him in cotton wool for the final.
However, Newcastle’s goalscoring record and overall performances without the Swede have been immensely sub-standard. We rarely score from open play when he isn't in the starting XI.
With how tight the race for European football is right now, can the Magpies really afford to drop points on the off chance they keep Isak fit and rested for their toughest test of the season?
