Eddie Howe makes £58m Newcastle United ‘new signing’ claim ahead of busy January

Eddie Howe has tipped Alexander Isak to be ‘like a new signing’ for Newcastle United when he completes his return from a thigh injury.

The 22-year-old, who joined the Magpies for a club-record £58million fee in the summer, hasn’t played since September after picking up the issue on international duty.

Although the Sweden star is yet to resume full training, Howe is hopeful Isak will be available for the busy schedule next month make a big impact.

“Whenever he is fit and available, he will certainly come into my thinking,” Howe said. “A bit of a cliche but he would be like a new signing because we haven’t had him for a long period of time.”

Pressed for a return game, Howe replied: “I’m just going to judge it on when he’s fit. I can look at games and think ‘this game will be good for him’ but it’s all dependent on how he feels and if he’s ready to play.”

Isak scored two goals in the opening three games following his arrival from Real Sociedad. The striker was initially due to return to action in October but re-injured the problem.

Howe said: “I’ve had conversations with him to find out how he is feeling and to try and help him. Naturally, he’s been disappointed as he’s desperate to play and prove how good he is.

“It’s more a case of keeping him calm and trying to make sure he realises he’s got a long future ahead of him here. We just want him to be right when he enters the pitch.”

The Magpies head coach, however, did warn that Isak faces a battle to regain his spot in the starting XI due to the form of Chris Wood and Callum Wilson.

Howe continued: “He is a supremely talented player, I think he can have a big impact but we have players who have played really well in his position so it’s going to be a challenge.

“It’s not a case of just walking back into the team. I think the beauty of our team at the moment is whoever has grabbed the shirt has elevated their performance to make it difficult for others to get back in.

“That’s the beauty of a really healthy squad when you’ve got players who are fighting for the shirt.”