Alexander Isak provides new Newcastle United fitness update after being ruled out for three games

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak says he is getting closer to full match sharpness after scoring in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at St James' Park.

The Swede opened the scoring in the 14th minute when he headed home Bruno Guimaraes' deflected effort before Anthony Gordon doubled the lead 20 minutes later. Tino Livramento then added a third in stoppage time.

Isak completed 70 minutes on his third start since recovering from a groin issue that saw him miss games against Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth.

And with every passing game, 24-year-old is feeling stronger. Asked if he felt like he was re-finding his best form, Isak replied: "Yeah I think so, especially physically. It takes some time to get back to match fitness fully but I feel like I'm getting there."

Isak's opener against Wolves was his 15th goal of the campaign in all competitions. The striker has almost averaged a goal every two games since joining United in a club-record £63million deal from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022.

"He's an outstanding player," said Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. "Our only disappointment this year is we haven't had him fit and available for all the games because he is a match winner and is capable of doing a bit of everything in that role. He can also drift positions, he's technically excellent.

"Really pleased with the goal today because he's come back from another minor injury but that just stopped the rhythm and momentum he was in because he was in a good period of form but hopefully he can rediscover that form very quickly now."