Newcastle United are assessing the fitness of Alexander Isak and three other players ahead of Monday’s Premier League trip to Leicester City.
Isak started and opened the scoring in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Brentford at St James’ Park but was withdrawn around the hour-mark with a groin complaint. Kieran Trippier was also taken off in the latter stages due to a cramp sensation in his groin.
Providing an update on the pair on Friday, United boss Eddie Howe said: “Hopefully, they're feeling OK. We don't think we've got any big injuries from Wednesday night, but we've certainly got a few niggles.”
When pressed further on Isak, Howe said: “No, I don't think he's been carrying. I think it was in the warm-up of the game before Brentford. Just became aware of it, I believe, and sort of carried that through the game.”
Newcastle are also monitoring Joelinton’s fitness. The Brazilian’s knee was heavily strapped against Brentford and he needed on-field treatment in the second half before battling on to play the full 90 minutes.
Howe added: "We hope so, yeah. He'd be another one in the category that's got a niggle, but knowing Joey, he'll probably say he's fine today and good to train. So we'd have to manage him and we'd have to look after him and try and navigate the next few days.”
Anthony Gordon didn’t feature versus the Bees as he served the final game of his three-match suspension. However, he too has been struggling with an injury picked up in England’s 2-0 win over Albania last month.
“No, he hasn't [trained yet],” Howe said. “No, not yet. He's another one that we're monitoring. We think he's still recovering from the really, really bad knock he got for England, which still got a huge bruising on his leg. So, he's done individual training.
“He's not done group training. He's still not feeling 100% pain-free. So, again, let's wait and see.”
With all that mind, what team will Howe put out against Leicester? Here’s our predicted starting XI:
9. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton’s knee was heavily strapped up against Brentford and there were moments where he looked to be struggling but the Brazilian battled on. | Getty Images
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10. RW: Jacob Murphy
With five goals and eight assists, no one can say Murphy hasn’t been productive on the right-hand side. | Getty Images
11. LW: Harvey Barnes
Whether Anthony Gordon is fit or not, Barnes has grasped his opportunity and warrants a start against his former club. | Getty Images
12. ST: Alexander Isak
It is hoped the groin issue Isak felt against Brentford isn’t serious and he can build on his excellent goalscoring form. | Getty Images