Newcastle United star misses training ahead of Liverpool as 17-year-old called up

Alexander Isak took a blow to the hip against Crystal Palace on Saturday and although is expected to feature against the Reds tomorrow, he hadn’t yet trained when head coach Eddie Howe provided an update on his health this morning.

“He took a knock to his hip and wasn’t able to carry on,” said Howe. “We haven’t seen him in training yet, but I don’t think it’s a long-term injury. We’ll wait and see. It’ll be time, pain management and how the injury settles down.”

The absence of Isak during Monday’s training session handed 17-year-old Sean Neave an opportunity to train with the first-team.

Neave signed his first professional contract at Newcastle in the summer on the back of scoring 13 for the under-18s last season.

“I’m really happy about signing my first professional contract with the club,” Neave said. “Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.

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“I was really pleased to make my debut for the under-21s as it means next year, I can push on and try to make a few more appearances and hopefully score a few goals. Making my international debut was a really proud moment for me and my family. Playing for your country is one of the biggest things in football and I’m hoping that, next season, I can gain more appearances for England.

“I’m more than happy about my goals this season at under-18 level and I was really pleased to be the top goalscorer at the club. I’m hoping I can push on, score a few more next season and be up there with the top goalscorers in the league."

His fine form has continued this campaign, netting hat-tricks against Derby County and Leeds United.

The young striker has also featured for the under-21s in recent months and marked his only Premier League 2 appearance with a goal in a 3-1 victory at Leeds. Meanwhile, he played the final half hour in EFL Trophy matches away to Rotherham United and Mansfield Town.

At international level, Neave has represented England under-18s last month.