Alan Shearer is hopeful that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak will be fit for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
The 25-year-old was absent on Wednesday night as Newcastle lost to Liverpool.
After the game, Eddie Howe revealed Isak had a groin issue. While the forward wanted to play at Anfield, the Newcastle United manager decided to take a cautious approach with the Carabao Cup final looming.
The decision did not pay off on the night, as the Magpies suffered another defeat at Anfield. However, Howe will be justified if Isak is fully fit in time for the game at Wembley on March 16th.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Alan Shearer defends Alexander Isak decision
That is what Alan Shearer is expecting to happen.
The Newcastle United legend has told Gary Lineker on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast about what he has heard regarding the forward’s fitness ahead of the Carabao Cup final.
“From what I’m hearing, he’s going to be fine for the final,” he said.
“I guess that’s what Eddie Howe has to factor in over the next two weekends.
“Newcastle have got Brighton in the FA Cup then West Ham the following Monday evening. So two games.
“If there is even a 2% chance with a doubt about someone, then I guess he is just going to leave them out in prep for the final. And I don’t blame him for that.”
Newcastle United did not have their strongest XI in the 2023 Carabao Cup final
It has been reported that Isak should be fit for the final, which is excellent news.
Eddie Howe will be desperate to have his strongest XI available for the Carabao Cup final. That is vital if the Magpies are going to beat a team as good as Liverpool.
It is a luxury that the Toon boss was not afforded in 2023, when his side lost 2-0 to Manchester United at Wembley.
The main issue two years ago was the goalkeeper situation. Nick Pope was suspended, while Martin Dubravka was cup-tied.
That meant that Loris Karius made his Newcastle United debut. Sadly, he was unable to cement cult hero status.
There should be no similar goalkeeper issues this year – as long as both Pope and Dubravka avoid moments of madness in the Magpies’ two games before the final.
Elsewhere, Joe Willock was only fit enough to be on the bench in 2023. At the time, he was dovetailing brilliantly with Joelinton down the left, but Howe could not rely on that duo from the off. As for Anthony Gordon, he was cup-tied after his transfer from Everton.
Newcastle United’s 2023 team was not as good as Howe’s current side. Gordon and Isak are better players, while Sandro Tonali has arrived. But the issue is that Newcastle are facing a stronger opponent.
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