Eddie Howe confirms two Newcastle players are frustrated they’ve not played together more often

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United know all about injuries to key players.

Last season, Eddie Howe saw his squad decimated by a crisis that caused pundit Joe Cole to question what exactly was going on behind the scenes while watching Newcastle in action against West Ham.

Luckily, things have improved this season. Clearly, a team is never going to go through a whole Premier League campaign without injuries but – so far at least – the absences haven’t piled up yet like last season.

Still, that’s not to suggest Newcastle haven’t been without key players.

Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon have both missed games at times, while Lewis Miley is only just making his comeback. Kieran Trippier is another who has been dealing with an issue of late, while neither of Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman are expected back for a while.

Then there’s Callum Wilson.

The striker is yet to kick a ball in anger this season but, finally, appears to be closing in on a comeback.

His return will not only help bring goals to the team but it could really help Isak, too. Rotating the two would be ideal, given both have fitness records that leave a lot to be desired.

Speaking on Friday, the Newcastle United manager admitted the fact the two hadn’t played together very often had frustrated both players.

Eddie Howe admits two Newcastle stars are frustrated they’ve not played together very often

Asked about his strikers, Howe told The Chronicle: “That Champions League season, the way he and Alex Isak dovetailed together, to help each other and help the team to produce some brilliant performances and results was brilliant to see.

“Now, for a long period of time, we’ve lost that ability to play them together or to help them share the load. That’s been a real frustration of mine, and I know for the players themselves too.”

How many times have Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak played together for Newcastle?

Due to various injuries, Newcastle have been robbed of having both players available regularly at the same time.

According to Transfermarkt data, they’ve only played together 19 times since the summer of 2023 when Isak arrived.

With that in mind, it’s hardly surprising to see club legend Rob Lee suggesting Newcastle should sign another striker to help provide more reliable cover…