Alexander Isak confirms major injury news ahead of Newcastle United vs Liverpool

The Sweden international was an injury doubt heading into the game at St James’ Park after taking a knock to the hip in the early stages of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.

Isak was forced off just 22 minutes in and was replaced by Harvey Barnes. Magpies’ head coach Eddie Howe confirmed “good news” after the game but the quick turnaround meant his involvement versus Liverpool was uncertain.

Howe said: “It was a contact issue, not a muscle pull which is good news for us. We hope he;’ll recover quickly but at this moment we don't know.”

However, Isak has told beIN Sports he is available to face the Reds. Reporter Andy Kerr wrote on X: “Exclusive: Alexander Isak is fit to face #Liverpool

“Sat down with the Swedish striker today for @beINSPORTS_EN. He also said he felt humbled by the @worflags display before the West Ham game and wants to give the #nufc fans something back.”

Having Isak available is a huge boost for Newcastle, who failed to register a shot at goal at Selhurst Park in his absence.

Anthony Gordon was moved into the central striker role after Howe opted against risking Callum Wilson for longer than the remaining 15 minutes. Meanwhile, Will Osula was an unused substitute.

Howe said: “It was a difficult one with Callum today, obviously he’s had minimal training time and we’ve got to be really careful we don’t push him too early and lose him. I didn’t feel bringing him on at that stage with the minutes left in the game was something I could do.

“The plan pre-game was 20 to 30 minutes as it was against West Ham. I decided to put Anthony up there who has done a really good job when he has gone up there for us previously and I thought he did well today. The lack of goalscoring opportunities aren’t on him, it’s one the team and we need to do better.”