Eddie Howe drops Alexander Isak hint amid Newcastle United injury

Alexander Isak is at risk of missing Newcastle United’s festive fixtures as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem.

The Magpies’ club-record signing has not featured since mid-September. Isak was due to return a month later but re-injured himself in training.

Eddie Howe, speaking in Riyadh, ruled the 23-year-old out of friendlies against Al-Hilal and Rayo Vallecano, and the United has now admitted he might return until next year.

Isak won’t play against Bournemouth in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and appears to be doubtful for the Boxing Day clash at Leicester City.

Howe said: “There was no fixed return date on him. I think the medical team have just tried to look at his recovery day by day, and try and get him in the best physical place he can be in the ideal time.

“We hoped to have him fit and available for the Bournemouth game, but I don’t think that’s going to look likely. We’ll just take it on a game-by-game basis.”

Asked if there’s a chance he won’t return until 2023, Howe admitted: “That could happen.

“Again, it’s a difficult one. We haven’t got a return date on him. He’s with the medical team at the moment, and he’s working hard and making progress. I can’t give you a return date.”