Newcastle United face potential striker crisis v Burnley as ‘emergency’ option discussed

Newcastle United will make late checks on Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture at home to Burnley (kick-off 3pm).

Wilson was left out of the squad that beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday because of hamstring tightness. Meanwhile, Isak played and scored the only goal of the game in the 53rd minute, before withdrawing shortly after with a calf issue.

“Callum we’re going to see today,” Howe told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “Very minor hamstring tightness so he has every chance of being available for the game.

“Alexander Isak is another one who we’ll have to make a late check on. That’s the cost of three games that we had last week. It’s usually the third game where these games build up and that’s where we are.”

It’s likely both, or at least one player, will be involved versus the Clarets. But if not, who is Howe’s ‘emergency’ striker?

“We have a few options,” Howe replied. “Anthony Gordon has played as a striker for England and has done very well - he would probably be the first in line, with Jacob Murphy who can also play the position.

“We have Joelinton, who has played the role historically. He would play it slightly differently to the other players we have got. We also have the option of trying something quite different tactically.”

Wilson and Isak have scored four goals this campaign.