Newcastle United team news vs Ipswich: Fabian Schar injury latest update as Alexander Isak looks to respond

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Newcastle United have a huge game against Ipswich in the Premier League on Saturday.

While Newcastle United sit fifth in the Premier League and are on course for a second Champions League qualification in three seasons, the race is tight.

Indeed, the Premier League table is congested towards the top five.

Newcastle play Ipswich on Saturday and cannot afford to drop more points, having been beaten 4-1 at Aston Villa last time out.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

Dropping points at home to a team on the cusp of relegation would naturally be a major blow to Eddie Howe’s side.

Thankfully, Howe has recovered from illness at Newcastle, after having been admitted to hospital due to pneumonia earlier this month.

That should provide a major boost at St James’ Park, though there are other slight concerns ahead of the game regarding Fabian Schar and Alexander Isak.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Newcastle team news vs Ipswich Town

Schar suffered a hamstring injury against Villa, potentially leaving the Newcastle United manager light on defensive options.

Sven Botman is being assessed as he bids to a return from knee surgery, while Jamaal Lascelles may not play at all this season.

On Friday, however, Howe confirmed Schar could play against Ipswich.

“Fabian, we hope will be okay,” he said. 

• READ MORE: Newcastle United’s predicted lineup against Ipswich

Alexander Isak looks to respond to off day

Newcastle fans are concerned about Isak’s fitness, with the striker having not completed a full 90 minutes since February.

Jason Tindall admitted Isak had an “off day” at Villa Park last time out and it would be fair to say the Sweden star has not been at his very best in recent games.

Hopefully, Isak can respond here. Ipswich have conceded 71 goals this season and the forward bagged a hat-trick against them at Portman Road back in December, so will certainly fancy his chances.

Newcastle need him back at his very best for the run-in.