Newcastle United fans will be hoping to have Alexander Isak back in action this Sunday for the fifth-round clash of the FA Cup against Brighton.
Question marks are also hanging over the heads of several other players as ahead of the game. Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe admitted he wouldn’t be willing to risk the Swedish forward at this stage of the campaign and said United’s staff were keeping an eye on the situation.
He said: “If he is fit, he will play. There’s always a risk with any player – even if they’re 100% fit – that’s the world that we’re in, but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness.”
He added: “Isak possesses skills and abilities and a way of playing that makes us better in my opinion, and that’s no disrespect to anyone else that we have but Callum (Wilson) did a great job for the team in a change of system that we felt we had to do against Liverpool. So there’s some really good bits the other night but I think we missed Alex.”
The Newcastle boss admitted that the best-case scenario for Sunday’s clash would be having both Isak and Callum Wilson to fit and ready to face the Seagulls, with Howe quashing any doubts surrounding the Magpies number nine. Wilson suffered a nasty cut near his eye after a coming together with Virgil Van Dijk in the defeat to Liverpool.
“I believe Callum’s OK, yeah.,” said Howe. “I think he took a cut to his eye, but nothing more than that.”
Isak was one of several players unable for selection for Newcastle during Wednesday night’s match at Anfield which saw league leaders Liverpool win 2-0. Sven Botman and Joelinton were also absent from the team sheet joining long-term absentee Jamaal Lascelles on the sidelines.
The former duo could be back as early as Sunday which would provide a much-needed boost for Newcastle. Their partnership could be key to the Magpies progressing into the last eight of the cup competition.
“Sven and Joe have a chance, today is a big day for them,” said Howe. “We will see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not. Knowing both players, they will be keen to be involved.”
Brighton also have several injury concerns as they prepare to head to St. James’ Park – with as many as eight players potentially missing the tie. Skipper Lewis Dunk has reportedly been ruled out after struggling with a rib injury he sustained against Chelsea in his side’s FA Cup fourth-round victory.
Head Coach Fabian Hurzeler said that despite wanting him back, Sunday was too soon for the return of their captain. Experienced defender Joel Veltman remains in doubt due to a foot injury – while questions remain over the fitness of defensive duo Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster.
It has been reported due to injuries that James Milner (hamstring), Igor Julio (hamstring), Jason Steele (shoulder) and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) will not be making the journey north for The Seagulls.
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