‘Fingers crossed’… What Newcastle United have said about Alexander Isak after concerns vs Leicester City

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Eddie Howe has provided an update on Alexander Isak’s fitness levels after Newcastle United’s win over Leicester City in the Premier League.

Newcastle United cruised to their easiest win of the season on Monday night as they defeated lowly Leicester City 3-0 without leaving first gear.

A quickfire double in the opening 10 minutes from Jacob Murphy killed the game early on, with the impressive Harvey Barnes adding a third on his old stomping ground.

Eddie Howe’s side threatened to demolish the Foxes but took their foot off the gas once the game was won, with the second half largely uneventful.

Alexander Isak had an underwhelming display given the terrible defence he was up against and the manager took him off with 20 minutes remaining.

Isak has struggled with a groin issue in recent weeks but Howe believes he is now ‘100% fit.’

Alexander Isak injury latest

Speaking to Sky Sports after the victory, Howe was very confident that Isak is over the fitness concerns that have troubled him in recent weeks.

He said: “I think he’s 100% fit. I wouldn’t have taken any risk with him tonight if he wasn’t.

“There was an opportunity to rest him with the game in a good position for us.

“I don’t think we’ll have to manage him from this point onwards. Fingers crossed, he’ll be fine.”

Eddie Howe praises two players after Newcastle win vs Leicester

Murphy was the star of the show with his two goals, but Fabian Schar had the best moment of magic with his involvement in the second goal.

The centre-back attempted an audacious shot from 55 yards that bounced off the crossbar, with Murphy gathering to eventually slam home.

Howe moved to praise both players. He added: “He’s [Murphy] played well all season for us.

“He’s always been a great team player for us with work ethic but this season he’s added goals. I’m really pleased for him that he’s getting more recognition.

“He [Schar] brings a flair that not many centre-backs can bring. It’s another Fabian moment. For a split second, I thought it was in. There are not many centre-backs in football that can do what he can do.”