Newcastle United announce major Alexander Isak update v Sheffield Wednesday

Alexander Isak makes his Newcastle United comeback against Sheffield Wednesday tonight (kick-off 6pm).

The Magpies’ £60million club-record signing hasn’t played since September due to a thigh injury sustained on international duty with Sweden.

But after returning to full training at the beginning of the week, Eddie Howe has handed him a start for the FA Cup third round clash at Hillsborough.

Isak scored two goals in his opening three games following his summer move from Real Sociedad. This evening, he lines up a front three of Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie.

In total, Howe has named eight changes from the goalless draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Tuesday night.

Martin Dubravka makes his first Newcastle appearance since May after being recalled from his season-long loan spell at Manchester United.

Javier Manqullo, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman and Jamal Lewis form the back four, while Sean Longstaff, Elliot Anderson and Joelinton are the midfield three.

Botman, Longstaff and Joelinton are the only players to retain their place from midweek at the Emirates.

Absent from the squad are Callum Wilson, Nick Pope, Fabian Schar, Allan Saint-Maximin and Loris Karius.

Jonjo Shelvey (calf), Matt Targett (heel) and Emil Krafth (ACL) are ruled out through injury.

Newcastle United starting XI: Durbravka, Manquillo, Lascelles, Botman, Lewis, Longstaff, Anderson, Joelinton, Ritchie, Murphy, Isak.

Subs: Karl Darlow, Kieran Tripper, Paul Dummett, Chris Wood, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron, Joe Willock, Dan Burn, Bruno Guimaraes.