Eddie Howe’s teamsheet at Anfield raised eyebrows with Callum Wilson leading the line for Newcastle United.
It was a huge surprise on Wednesday evening when Alexander Isak was completely absent from Newcastle United’s matchday squad.
In his pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe provided an injury update on Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, but there was nothing mentioned about a possible issue for Isak.
Tonali did return to the starting lineup, as did Callum Wilson, who was given the difficult job of filling Isak’s shoes.
Wilson was frustrating against Nottingham Forest last time out, and up against a Liverpool defence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate he struggled again.
What Liverpool fans said about Callum Wilson
Newcastle’s wretched record at Anfield continued, but the Magpies weren’t without some big chances of their own.
Wilson missed an absolute sitter in the first half, and Liverpool fans on social media were extremely thankful that it was the 32-year-old leading the line for Newcastle rather than Isak.
One fan on X wrote: “God bless Callum Wilson man by now Isak would have buried at least 3.”
Another added: “Fun game so far. Thankfully Wilson is up front and not Isak”
Others compared Wilson to out-of-form Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez… one fan posted: “Callum Wilson is Darwin’s older brother.. Shocking misses…”
Another made the same comparison: “Callum Wilson is the worst version of Darwin Nunez”
Liverpool fans are now hoping that Wilson stars at Wembley next month. “Hopefully Callum Wilson starts the final because my god what a diabolical footballer he’s become,” one fan wrote.
Eddie Howe is not taking any Alexander Isak risks
Howe does not want Newcastle to become distracted by the upcoming Carabao Cup final, but he will have one eye on the Wembley showpiece himself.
The last thing he needs is an injury to a key player, and Newcastle will need Isak fit and firing for the trip to London next month.
Newcastle had no Isak in the 2023 final, and he could be crucial in helping the Magpies go one step further and end their trophy drought.
In the lead-up to the Liverpool match, Isak had made 19 consecutive Premier League appearances and clearly he arrived at Anfield with a slight injury.
Howe made the correct call by not risking Isak at Anfield, even if it ended up potentially costing Newcastle points.
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