Alexander Isak injury update with key Newcastle United duo ‘close’ to return vs Crystal Palace

Newcastle United injury latest ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Eddie Howe hopes to have Alexander Isak fit to face Crystal Palace, while Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin are also nearing a return.

The Magpies’ club-record signing, who scored on his debut against Liverpool on Wednesday, was forced to withdraw on the hour-mark with a dead leg.

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Howe is hopeful the 22-year-old will be fine to lead United’s attack line against Palace in what would be his St James’ Park debut.

“I certainly hope so,” Howe said when asked if Isak will be OK for this weekend.

Guimaraes missed Newcastle’s 1-1 draw at Wolves before being joined by Allan Saint-Maximin in those to miss the late defeat at Anfield in midweek.

Callum Wilson remains sidelined for the next week at least, however both Guimaraes and Saint-Maximin are making good progress ahead of Palace.

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Howe confirmed: “Callum is slightly behind the other two, I’d say. Bruno and Maxi are close, they’re not serious injuries. We’ll wait and see whether they’re fit for this week.”

Speaking after the loss against Liverpool, Howe said: “Again, they’re not serious injuries. There is no muscle pull with Allan, it’s more just a bit of swelling We’re hopeful it won’t be too long.

“Whether or not he’ll be available for the next game at this moment I don’t know. But if not the next one, then definitely the one after.”

The Magpies have suffered their fair amount of injuries during the opening month of the campaign with Jonjo Shelvey and Emil Krafth long-term absentees.

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Howe explained: "I think this is the time and this comes with the World Cup, I think, and the congested schedule really does put the bodies of the players under stress, and they’re probably at that point where they’re giving everything.

“You could see it the other day with the two Joes and Sean Longstaff, the distance they covered at the speed they did it was incredible. We needed to do that to keep up with Liverpool and you saw that Jordan Henderson got injured in that game and that’s just the game, I don’t think there’s a lot you can do about it.

“All clubs are going to pick up a number of injuries this year. It’s about minimising those and, when your players do get injured, it’s about treating them correctly and getting them back on the pitch in a safe way. Hopefully we can manage those situations."