Newcastle United issue official Alexander Isak update as striker forced off vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Alexander Isak was brought off during Newcastle United’s 2-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has played down any injury fears surrounding Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international returned to the starting XI after missing the 2-0 defeat at Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday to open the scoring in Sunday’s 2-1 FA Cup fifth round defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Isak was withdrawn in the 86th minute shortly after Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card following a clash with Jean Paul van Hecke. But it wasn’t 10 v 11 for long after referee Anthony Taylor showed a second yellow to Tariq Lamptey.
The tie was decided by extra-time and without Isak, or Gordon, on the pitch, the Magpies fell to a late defeat.
Howe revealed after the game Isak was one of many players feeling the effects of a long afternoon.
Alexander Isak injury update
“Well, mainly Tino Livramento, I think it was cramp more than injury. So I think he was limited. And that was big when you’re 9v9. And there's bigger spaces that obviously limited us a lot.
“But I felt the players around him covered that really well. And as I said, I thought we got stronger to an extra time. I thought we looked pretty good.
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“Alex [Isak] just felt a bit of general tightness. I don't think an injury, but just general tightness, thought we had to come off clear.
“Kieran [Trippier] felt his back so we were navigating a lot of problems through that game, which we hope don't have long-term consequences for us because we've got such a small squad.”