Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion has left Eddie Howe with a major decision that could have a big impact on Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup hopes later this month.
The Magpies boss now has to make a judgment call over whether he should use Alexander Isak against West Ham United just six days before the Wembley showpiece against Liverpool after the Swede came off in the closing stages of United’s 2-1 defeat at St James’ Park over the weekend.
Isak returned to the side and helped himself to the opening goal from the spot before seeing a second strike ruled out for a narrow offside. However, the forward was replaced by Callum Wilson after receiving a spot of treatment on the pitch.
“It was just general tiredness, I don’t think there is a problem there,” said Howe. “But as I said before the game, if he was fit he would play. Fingers crossed he is okay.”
Isak had been suffering with a minor groin issue that kept him out of Newcastle’s cup final dress rehearsal with Liverpool last week. The striker travelled with the matchday squad but failed to make Eddie Howe’s 20-man squad on Merseyside as his side lost 2-0 at Anfield.
Newcastle, naturally, missed a striker of his talent and need the club record signing fully fit for the reverse fixture at Wembley later this month. The only question that now remains is will Isak be fit enough for the Premier League clash in east London before United aim for cup glory on the opposite side of the capital later in the week.
Even if Isak can feature in the top flight showdown on Monday evening, is it a risk to play him from the outset given the magnitude of the cup final days later.
Two years ago it was Wilson who got the nod for Newcastle’s first final in almost 25 years, relegating Isak to the sidelines. Howe, with his side 2-0 down, ultimately called on the £63m man at half-time but opted again using him as the Magpies’ focal point at the tip of his attack.
“Really tough one,” Howe admitted when asked why Wilson had started over Isak in the aftermath of the 2023 defeat. “Two immensely talented players but I had to pick one. Callum on his last start scored and played very well against West Ham, so that swayed my decision.”
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