Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe says the current injury of Alexander Isak is not long-term and could be in contention to play in this weekend’s FA Cup fifth round against Brighton & Hove Albion, Afrosport reports.
The Swedish forward of Eritrean heritage missed the Magpies’ midweek fixture at Liverpool which ended in a 2-0 loss due to a groin injury.
It has led to concerns about how Newcastle will cope in the absence of Isak, particularly with the EFL Cup final against Liverpool on the horizon, but Howe is closely monitoring his fitness.
“We will see today. I haven’t seen him since the game. We will see how he is today. We don’t think it’s a long-term problem. There was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can’t be with the stage of the season we’re in,” Howe said.
“There is always a risk with any player but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness. We will see how he is today and if he is fit, he will play.”
Howe added: “I think with Alex, it is pretty clear for me, if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final then he will play and we have to have that mindset with all of our players. You can’t save players as they will lose rhythm. The best thing for a player to stay in good form and to stay fit is to play them and that’s what we will try to do with all of our players.”
Newcastle have relied on Isak for goals this season with his 19 strikes in the league putting them in contention for a top-four finish. It has led to some believing the Magpies are a one-man team but Howe dismissed that notion.
“We recognise Alex [Isak’s] strengths and his abilities,” the English tactician stated.
“I don’t think we are a one-man team, I will never classify us in that bracket but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need.
“We have other ways of playing and other players’ skill-sets to utilise. I thought there was a lot of good in our performance against Liverpool but we didn’t hurt them enough around their box for sure.”
Attentions turn to the FA Cup! 💪
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— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 28, 2025
Newcastle will be back in league action against West Ham United on March 10 before facing Liverpool in the EFL Cup final.
