Eddie Howe has provided good and bad news on the injury front ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Brighton.
The Magpies take on the Seagulls at St James’ Park on Saturday, with Newcastle United fans sweating on the fitness of their two star strikers.
Alexander Isak has missed Newcastle’s last three games with a toe injury, while Callum Wilson has been absent all season with a back and hamstring problem.
During the 0-0 draw with Everton, it was clear that Newcastle were struggling without a proper striker. Anthony Gordon was forced to play through the middle rather than out wide, and that hindered the Magpies’ ability to create chances.
However, there was hope during the international break. It was reported that Isak and Wilson would be fit to face Brighton, in what would be a major boost for Eddie Howe.
Alas, it does not look like that will be the case.
Eddie Howe shares injury update on Newcastle strikers
Eddie Howe has spoken to the media ahead of Newcastle United’s game against Brighton.
He has provided injury updates on Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.
With regards to the former, it is good news.
“Alex has trained and trained well, he trained at the start of this week and looked good,” he said.
“He will be in contention for the weekend.”
Eddie Howe comments on Callum Wilson’s fitness
However, it is a different story when it comes to Wilson.
“Callum has trained, but we will continue to assess it day-by-day,” he said.
“We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group. When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it is important we make the right call.”
Alexander Isak return is a major boost for Newcastle
Chris Sutton has predicted Newcastle to beat Brighton, but only if Isak is fit to feature.
It looks like the 25-year-old will be available, providing he gets through training on Friday.
Newcastle have taken a cautious approach with Isak, and it appears to have paid off. He is over his injury issue, and ready to play once again.
That will delight Eddie Howe, and it will delight Anthony Gordon. Isak’s return means that the 23-year-old can play out wide again, which is where he prefers to operate.
It remains to be seen whether Gordon will be on the right or the left. That will depend on whether Howe opts to play Jacob Murphy or Harvey Barnes in attack.
Jacob Murphy might be better suited to face Brighton, as he is better at taking on tactical information and the Seagulls are notoriously a difficult team to play against.
In our predicted Newcastle XI to face Brighton, Murphy starts on the right, with Gordon on the left and Isak through the middle.
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