Alexander Isak injury update with four Newcastle United players ruled out of Brentford clash

Eddie Howe has refused to put a timescale on Alexander Isak’s return after the Newcastle United club-record signing suffered a thigh injury during the international break.

The £58million summer arrival from Real Sociedad scored two in his opening three games - including a penalty that helped rescue the Magpies a point against Bournemouth.

That was the 22-year-old’s last appearance for the club after he injured himself whilst training with Sweden a fortnight or so ago.

And at this stage, the Newcastle head coach is unsure when Isak will make his comeback.

He missed last weekend’s 4-1 victory at Fulham and won’t feature against Brentford at St James’ Park on Saturday.

“He’s suffered a muscle problem to his thigh,” Howe said. “A scan wasn’t overly bad but again, the medical team are just being cautious with him at this moment.

Pressed for a return date, Howe said: if “Unknown at the moment. He’s progressing very well. He’s running on grass, increasing his speed so he’s in a good place.

“The medical team are just holding him back slightly from any more than that. Hopefully, it won’t be too long.

Karl Darlow, Emil Krafth and Jonjo Shelvey all remain on the sidelines, although the latter is making good progress after undergoing hamstring injury at the start of August.

Allan Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, is set to return after missing the last four Premier League, also with a hamstring issue.