Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has delivered a positive update on the fitness of Alexander Isak ahead of Sunday’s Premier League final-day clash with Everton at St James’ Park.
The 25-year-old striker has been suffering with a minor groin injury and was forced to miss last weekend’s 1-0 defeat away against Arsenal.
However, Howe has since confirmed that Isak, who has scored a team-high 23 Premier League goals this season, is making “good progress” on his return from injury and is hopeful the Swede will be involved this weekend.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, the Magpies boss said: “He is doing OK. He hasn’t trained with us yet but he’s made good progress through the week.
“The next couple of days will be absolutely crucial to his availability on Sunday. There’s a chance [he could play]. It’s difficult to give any more than that.
“Until he trains with us, we won’t fully know how he’s going to respond to the training and the demands that the game will place upon him.
“We’ll only play him if he’s fit to contribute but at the moment he has an opportunity, potentially.”
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Howe issues Isak, Joelinton, Trippier updates
Howe intends to watch Isak take part in training on Saturday with his teammates, adding: “This week he’s been training just individually and building up his load.
“He’s been running and feels OK at the moment. But of course running is one thing and kicking a ball and doing all the other things that you need to do is another.
“So far what he’s been asked to do, he’s done it pain-free and he’s done it well. So the next two days will be absolutely crucial.
“We’d love for him to be available for the game but he has to be fit to give his best. We wouldn’t risk him being not able to deliver what he’s able to do.”
Meanwhile, Howe has confirmed that Sunday’s game will come too soon for Joelinton as he continues to recover from a knee injury, while Kieran Trippier (calf) will be assessed over the next couple of days.
“No, Joelinton won’t be back (to face Everton),” said Howe. “He has had another injection in his knee. He is making good progress. We envisage he will be back for pre-season with no problems.
“Kieran hasn’t trained with us yet but has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load. We will see on his availability.”
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Howe: “We know what we have to do”
Newcastle currently sit fourth in the Premier League table and they will qualify for the Champions League if they match or better the results of both Chelsea in fifth and Aston Villa in sixth who both sit level on 66 points with the Magpies.
“We can’t look from any favours from anybody, we can only do our bit,” said Howe. “For us, we know what we have to do.
“Everton have been in really good form, difficult to beat, and the challenge is a big one. We will have to be focused and concentrate on what we need to do to win the game.”
“We have, this season so far, attacked the game, been fearless in our approach. Then, galvanised by the crowd, it allows us to rise to any game we are playing.
“We have to be relaxed and in that sweet spot, in that right emotional state.”
Newcastle were held to a 0-0 by Everton at Goodison Park earlier this season, but they will back themselves to prevail at St James’ Park where they have won each of their last five Premier League games, scoring 16 goals in the process.
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