The Athletic’s Chris Waugh does not expect Alexander Isak to start for Newcastle against Liverpool tonight.
The Magpies take on Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield, looking to preserve their unbeaten start to the season.
Eddie Howe will be hoping he can call upon Isak for the first time, after he joined the club last week. The record signing was at Molineux, but didn’t receive international clearance in time to play.
Isak is still waiting for his work permit, meaning there is a chance he could also miss the game against Liverpool. The work permit process is now prolonged due to Brexit, while the bank holiday has also contributed to the delay.
It’s incredibly frustrating for Newcastle, but there is apparently hope that the 22-year-old will be eligible to play tonight.
Waugh on Isak possibly playing against Liverpool
Waugh spoke about Isak on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, the Athletic’s Newcastle United podcast.
“They’re hoping that the work permit will come through,” he said.
Waugh then pondered whether or not Isak could start at Anfield if he’s eligible to play.
“Is he likely to start at Anfield? I think that’s probably asking a little bit too much. It would be very un-Eddie Howe like for him to throw a new signing in, particularly in an away game, even though they are a bit short up front.
“I do think it will be slightly different amalgamating Isak into the team to how he did with Bruno and in theory what they were going to do with Botman before injuries took hold.
“I think with it being an attacking position, it’s slightly different to what is required in midfield and in defence in the Premier League. So I think Isak, because he’s going to bring that extra dimension, will come into the team a little bit quicker.
“But hopefully he gets a bit of an introduction off the bench on Wednesday and Newcastle are still in the match by then.”
Isak would provide a boost off the bench
It would be a real blow if Isak once again misses out. He would have been a welcome presence off the bench at Wolves in what was a tight game.
That didn’t happen though, and he had to watch from the stands as Allan Saint-Maximin rescued a point.
But the need for Isak is even greater now. Liverpool are a stronger opponent, and there is a chance that Saint-Maximin might miss the trip to Merseyside due to injury.
That will leave Newcastle very short in attack. However, it still doesn’t mean Isak is likely to start. It would be a bold decision to throw him in at the deep end up against the likes of Virgil van Dijk.
Coming off the bench is much more likely, providing he gets his work permit in time. Howe will then be hoping that by the time Isak comes on he can influence the game.
It’s going to be an incredibly tough test tonight against Liverpool, especially with so many key players injured. Let’s hope paperwork doesn’t force Isak to sit this one out too.
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