Alexander Isak’s expected return date ahead of Newcastle United’s Leicester City, Leeds & Arsenal fixtures

Alexander Isak is set to miss Newcastle United’s festive fixtures - with Eddie Howe keen to ensure the club’s record signing returns fully fit.

The £60million summer signing from Real Sociedad last played for the Magpies in September after picking up a thigh injury on international duty with Sweden.

Isak was due to make his comeback in October but re-injured the issue. It was initially thought the 23-year-old would return in time for the Premier League restart, but that hasn’t been the case.

Instead, Isak’s absence is set to continue early into the new year. That means he’ll miss the Boxing Day trip to Leicester City and New Year’s Eve clash at home to Leeds United and is likely to sit out the away visit to Arsenal on January 3.

Alexander Isak injury latest

“He’s doing well,” Howe said. “We’re pleased with him. Is he going to make the next couple of Premier League games? At this moment in time, I’m not sure. Probably not.

“He’s going in the right direction and we hope in a busy January period we’ve got coming up we can play a big part in that.”

Howe added: “He’s out running and he’s kicking a ball but as I’ve said many times when you re-injure a part of your body as he did, we have to be careful.

“We’re listening to the medical team to try and get the next part right because this is the most important bit. He’s nearly there, we just have to make sure when he steps onto the pitch, he’s fully ready.

“I don’t want to half-ready a player, he has to be ready to execute what we need.”

A difficult time for Alexander Isak

The former Borussia Dortmund man scored twice in his opening three matches - including his debut at Liverpool - before suffering the injury that has kept him sidelined for three months.

Howe said: ‘I’d say it’s been very difficult for him, without being in his head. I’ve had a feeling of that, going to a new club.

“I moved to Portsmouth and never played really, just two games. I had a lot of emotions running through me, feelings of guilt and letting people down, my body not being able to allow me to execute what I wanted it to. Alex will no doubt feel those some emotions in some degree.

“I know that feeling, you want to go and prove yourself at a new club and to new supporters. He just hasn’t been able to do that. There can also be benefits. Sometimes when you’re away from the spotlight you can get to know your teammates and the club.

“You can begin to feel at home so, when you do step back on the pitch, you’re more comfortable in your surroundings. We have to look at the positives and hope he comes back and makes a real impact for us.”