Newcastle United are assessing the fitness of three key players ahead of this afternoon’s FA Cup fifth round clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Top scorer Alexander Isak missed the 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool Wednesday, while Joelinton and Sven Botman were again absent from the matchday squad.
On Isak, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe said on Friday: “Yeah, we'll see today. 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. If he’s fit, he’ll play.”
On Joelinton and Botman, who have both been sidelined since the beginning of February, Howe said: “They have a chance. I'd say, again, today's a big day for them really, because I think we'll see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not.
“But knowing both players, they'll be very keen to be involved, as long as their respective injuries feel good.”
A decision on the trio will be made with future games in mind. After Brighton, Newcastle travel to West Ham United in the Premier League before facing Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Nevertheless, the Brighton game is an important one for Howe’s side as they look to advance into the quarter-finals of the competition for the second consecutive season.
“Just looking solely at the FA Cup, it's obviously a huge competition. It's one that we have tried to focus on again, like the Carabao Cup,” said Howe. “We know the importance of every game. We don't take it lightly. We know the responsibility that we have. We want to try and get back to Wembley if we can. T
“his will be a tough game. Brighton are in great form, a dangerous team. They've got a lot of good attacking players. So I think it should be a really great cup tie.”
Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up at St James’ Park:
1. GK: Nick Pope
There’s no denying that Pope has looked short of his best since returning from a knee issue, giving Howe a potential dilemma between the 32-year-old and Martin Dubravka. | Getty Images
2. RB: Tino Livramento
It’s been claimed this week that Man City are admirers of Livramento, which perhaps highlights how highly-rated the 22-year-old is. | Getty Images
3. CB: Fabian Schar
If Sven Botman is fit then Howe could be tempted to recall him. And based on recent displays, Schar would be the most likely to make way. | Getty Images
4. CB: Dan Burn
It’s just over three years since Burn joined his boyhood club from Brighton. | AFP via Getty Images