Eddie Howe has spoken out on Alexander Isak’s fitness ahead of Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash with Bromley.
The Magpies are back at St James’ Park this weekend, as they prepare to kick off a run of three home games in a week.
It is on the back of three huge away wins, including Newcastle United beating Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. That was a special night for the Toon Army, while it was also an exhausting evening for Eddie Howe’s players.
They gave everything at the Emirates, at a time when the fixture schedule is gruelling.
That includes Alexander Isak, who scored his 14th goal in 15 games. He was absolutely outstanding against Arsenal, but was withdrawn in the 65th minute.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Eddie Howe shares Alexander Isak update
The 25-year-old had a bit of a hamstring problem when he came off, and it looks like it will result in the forward being rested for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against Bromley.
That is according to Eddie Howe, who has spoken about his leading goalscorer during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“He’s [Isak] seeing his physio at the moment and we’ve given him a couple of days rest but we think he’s in a good place and he’ll report back tomorrow,” he said.
“We would have probably involved him in some way [against Bromley] but with what’s happened he’ll probably be given this game to rest and get himself right for our future schedule.”
Who will replace Alexander Isak against Bromley?
With Isak set to sit out the FA Cup contest, Howe will need to pick someone else to play up front.
Callum Wilson is injured, while it feels likely that Anthony Gordon will be rested too.
The leading candidate to start up front for Newcastle United has to be Will Osula, who has only started once all season. That was also against League Two opposition, when the Magpies faced AFC Wimbledon in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The 21-year-old was unable to score that night. In fact, he is yet to score at all since joining Newcastle United from Sheffield United for £10million.
But Howe thinks Osula is improving, and this game against Bromley could be a great opportunity for him to open his account. The youngster features in our predicted Newcastle United XI.
He has barely featured in recent weeks, with Osula an unused substitute against Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
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