Newcastle United fitness update on Callum Wilson & Alexander Isak ahead of Liverpool clash

Newcastle United could have Callum Wilson available for the visit of Liverpool to St James’ Park on Saturday (kick-off 5:30pm).

After ending his 11-match goal-drought against West Ham United seven days earlier, the Magpies No.9 missed the trip to former club Bournemouth last weekend due to a “minor hamstring injury”.

Eddie Howe, speaking during his pre-match press conference, hopes Wilson will train today (February 17) and put himself in contention against Jurgen Klopp’s side.

“Callum’s done really well,” said the United head coach. “As we said at the time, it was a minor complaint for him. He hasn’t trained yet, we hope he trains today and then he’s in contention.”

Howe added: “I think it’ll be based on ‘is he 100 per-cent fit to play?’

“As I say, he hasn’t trained to this point. It’s always with this game, not with a view to the future but it’s a view with trying to keep Callum fit, as we would with all our players.”

In Wilson’s absence, club-record signing Alexander Isak made his first start since September at the Vitality Stadium.

The Swede missed three months of the campaign due to a thigh issue and was forced to sit out the 1-1 draw at home to the Hammers due to concussion protocols.

Despite a frustrating start to life on Tyneside, Howe is pleased with the 23-year-old’s fitness levels, and his contribution to the team.

“He’s in good physical condition, I think he’s improving all the time,” Howe said. “Just before he got the concussion, it was probably the best form he’s had for us in training. He looked absolutely electric, scoring goals regularly. He looked in a great place but then he missed a week’s training. Understandably, at this level, they are so finely tuned that when you miss a week there is a slight reaction.

“I thought he did well last week, he lasted 90 minutes no problem. He gave a good physical effort for the team. We probably didn’t get him the ball enough in areas we wanted to but he had a couple of shots at goal. I was pleased with his performance.”