Alexander Isak claim rejected after Newcastle United injury update ahead of Brighton clash
Newcastle United are assessing Alexander Isak’s fitness after he missed the 2-0 defeat at Liverpool.
Eddie Howe has rejected suggestions that Newcastle United are a one-man team dependent on Alexander Isak.
A groin issue forced Isak to miss the 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday. And without the Swede, Newcastle failed to register a shot on target.
It was the third league match Isak has missed this season, with United failing to win or score a goal from open play without him.
Isak has netted 21 goals in all competitions this campaign and last week, with a brace in the 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest, joined the 50 Premier League goals club.
Howe admits to missing a player of Isak’s quality but denied the ‘one-man team’ narrative.
“I don’t think we’re a one-man team,” said the Newcastle head coach. “I would never classify us in that bracket. But Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, that pivotal middle role that we need.
“We have other ways of playing, other skillsets that we can utilise. I do think you have to look at we were playing Liverpool the other night - that has been a tough game for everyone this season.
“But I thought there was a lot of good in it as well, it wasn’t all bad. But yes, we didn’t hurt them enough around their box, for sure.”
Howe added: “I think naturally, with him, when he's not playing, the team takes a totally different look. It's still a team that can be successful, in my opinion, but we'll have to do it in a different way. Alex has standout qualities.
“His game, I've said many times, we've moulded our game to his qualities. He's an outstanding talent. He possesses skills and abilities and a way of playing that makes us better, in my opinion. And that's no disrespect to anyone else that we have.”
Will Alexander Isak be available vs Brighton & Hove Albion?
Isak remains a doubt for Newcastle’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park on Sunday, in part because Howe & Co are willing to take no risks with the Carabao Cup final just a fortnight away.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe explained: “It was after the [Nottingham Forest] game. The day after the game, he felt absolutely fine, no problems. Then it was the second day, which can sometimes happen in the players' bodies, where he just felt a bit stiff.
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“So he woke up and just didn't feel 100% right. And from there, it was pretty clear on the matchday [at Liverpool] that he wouldn't play.
“We'll see today [Friday]. I haven't seen him since the game, so we'll see how he is today, have a long 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 with the stage of the season that we're in.
“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 and if he's fit, he'll play.”