Newcastle United has received a significant fitness boost ahead of its Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, with Alexander Isak making a return against Brighton and Hove Albion.
There were doubts over Isak’s participation in the FA Cup tie at St James’ Park due to a recent groin issue, but after missing Wednesday night’s trip to Anfield, the Newcastle forward was back in action for the fifth-round clash. Isak continued his hot scoring streak for the home side against Brighton.
Isak was absent from Wednesday’s encounter at Anfield, where Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. The decision to rest him was made late by manager Eddie Howe, with Isak having travelled for the match before the call was made.
This sparked speculation that the ex-Real Sociedad star might miss the Wembley spectacle against Liverpool on March 16, as the Reds aim to clinch the League Cup for the 11th time and retain the trophy won last year.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe commented on Isak’s situation: “We’ll see today. I haven’t seen him since the game, so we’ll see how he is today and have a discussion with him, I’m sure. We don’t think it’s a long-term problem.”
“In part, obviously, there was no risk taken on Wednesday, and there can’t be at this stage of the season. If he’s fit, he will play. There’s always a risk with any player – even if they’re 100% fit, that’s the world that we’re in, but we wouldn’t take any risks on his long-term fitness. But we’ll see how he is today.”
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Callum Wilson made his first start of the season, stepping in for Isak on Wednesday, but failed to penetrate the Reds’ defence as they clinched the points that propelled them 13 clear at the top of the Premier League.
Midfielder Joelinton also returned to the Newcastle side after being sidelined for about a month, providing Howe with an additional boost ahead of the Cup final against Arne Slot’s side.
Newcastle makes the trip to West Ham on March 10 ahead of the Carabao Cup final the following weekend. Liverpool takes on Southampton in the Premier League, in between its Champions League double-header against Paris Saint-Germain.
