Newcastle United star could miss three matches - including Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak might miss "a couple of games" because of his latest groin problem.

The Swede missed the Magpies' 4-4 draw against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon after withdrawing in the first-half in the 3-1 win at Aston Villa five days' earlier.

Newcastle assistant coach Jason Tindall took the press conference on Friday and told the media Isak could be involved versus the Hatters.

Speaking after the game, however, Howe revealed the 24-year-old "wasn't close" before saying he might miss a couple of games.

That could include the Luton game, meaning Isak would only miss Nottingham Forest next Saturday, or it could mean he's out of the AFC Bournemouth fixture too.

Howe told BBC Radio Newcastle: "He wasn't close today. We don't think he's got a serious injury but it might keep him out for a couple of games but hopefully we can get him back pretty quickly."

Anthony Gordon also appears to be a doubt for next Saturday's trip to Forest. The winger withdrew at half-time with a twisted ankle and left St James' Park on crutches and wearing a protective boot.

“It looked like Anthony twisted his ankle," said Howe. "I wasn’t sure with the exact incident – I didn’t necessarily see the exact moment when he did it – but he was in a lot of pain at half-time and he had to come off.

“I’ve no idea how serious it is, but it was sore enough for him to have to come off. That was his decision, he knew he couldn’t continue. Obviously, we hope it’s not bad. He’s such an important player for us, and we missed him when he went off."

The Isak and Gordon blows come after Howe welcomed back Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson against the Hatters. Barnes, who spent almost five months out with a toe injury, equalised to make it 4-4.

“As you say, it feels like we get one player back and then we lose another one," Howe added. "We've never been able to get to a point where we feel we've got all of our strength returning.

“Today looked like a step forward when we had Callum and Harvey from the bench, and then we lost Anthony."