Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe delivered an update on the fitness of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson ahead of their crucial meeting with Manchester United.
The two teams face off in the Premier League on Wednesday night with both sides fighting for European qualification. The Magpies are currently sixth in the table on 57 points while the Red Devils are three points behind in eighth.
Isak is a slight doubt for the game after being subbed off in the second half of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brighton. Howe revealed afterwards that the Swedish striker was dealing with an illness before the match.
Callum Wilson was left out of the matchday squad altogether due to an unspecified injury which Howe previously played down as just “tightness” combined with “a little bit of illness”.
“Alex didn’t train yesterday; we will see if he trains today,” Howe said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.
“He wasn’t feeling 100 percent, I think you could see that. We knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather.
“We haven’t seen Callum yet, we will see if he is available to train today, if not we will have him for Brentford.”
Newcastle have been plagued by injuries this season; Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley, Fabian Schar and Matt Targett are also on the treatment table ahead of the Man Utd game.
Howe admits he may have to shuffle his deck for the encounter. “I could change things around. It’s nice to have those options,” he said.
“I need to look at those players individually, as all their injuries are different. If I didn’t it would be foolish of me. They are vital players, just their presence is important.”
