Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe commented on the fitnes of forwards Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson ahead of Wednesday’s huge meeting with Man United.
The Swedish striker was surprisingly subbed off in the 68th minute of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton at St James’ Park following a lacklustre performance.
The 24-year-old is the Magpies’ top scorer this season with 20 goals in the Premier League, but could only manage to get one shot off against the Seagulls.
“Alex wasn’t feeling very well yesterday,” Howe explained after the final whistle. “So I took the decision to just look after him with the three-game week in mind.
“You could see Alex wasn’t at full tilt today. He just wasn’t feeling quite 100 per cent. You notice when a player of his calibre isn’t quite where he needs to be.”
Callum Wilson was excluded from the matchday squad altogether due to an illness, but Howe hopes he will return for the Man United game in midweek.
The result means Newcastle, who have now scored in every home game of a single campaign for the first time since 1958/59, remain sixth in the Premier League table with two games left to play.
“It was a tough game, we knew it would be, Brighton are always difficult opponents,” Howe said. “I don’t think we hit the heights we needed to win it but, if anyone was going to, I thought it would be us.
“It was a poor goal [to concede] from us, we did start well, we were progressive and out of nothing they take the lead. I’m just disappointed with our product around the box and there probably weren’t enough clear-cut chances.
“Without a doubt the scene, the environment created by the supporters. Even when Brighton scored they got right behind the team but we just couldn’t find that winning goal. They have made this place a really difficult place to play.
“This season the crowd have taken it to another level. If you’re not going to win the game, the draw for us is really important. I think it could be a valuable point for us.”
