‘He was tight’ - Eddie Howe drops Alexander Isak injury update as Newcastle United fears emerge

Fears emerged among Newcastle United circles on social media following blows to Sven Botman, Lewis Hall and Anthony Gordon. While the latter is suspended for his red card last weekend, Botman and Hall will face lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury.

Attention immediately turned to Newcastle’s hopes at Wembley next weekend. With star striker Isak suffering previous injury niggles - he was rested against Liverpool two weeks ago - worry about his fitness intensified.

Speculation about him missing for the final cropped up online but Howe has dismissed the rumours. The Toon boss insisted Isak is fit and firing ahead of a crucial 10 days for the Magpies.

“He’s fine,” Howe told reporters before Newcastle’s trip to West Ham United. “On Sunday, he came off and was feeling a bit fatigued. Towards the end of the game, he was tight in his body. He’s trained every day - he’s good.

“Fingers crossed (he will be ok for both games). He’s fit to play. That’s the best way to get in the best physical condition for future games. Footballers are finely tuned athletes. When they’re ready to play, they play.

“Fingers crossed Alex will be fine. I understand the intent to speculate and put the spotlight on him. For the best interests, let’s just relax and let him play his football.”

Howe also rebuffed any suggestions of resting players on Monday with the Carabao Cup final in mind. He added: “The focus is on West Ham, the Premier League game. Our Premier League form is hugely important to us. 

“We need to feel the momentum of winning and the best chance we have in any cup is to go into that day feeling as good as we can. We will pick our strongest team. Resting players doesn’t even come into my head.”