'Not really' - Alexander Isak fitness question dodged ahead of Newcastle United's three-game week

Alexander Isak is fit to start against Manchester United on Sunday as Newcastle United prepare to manage his minutes for their three-game week.

The Magpies host Man United at St James’ Park before Crystal Palace are the visitors on Wednesday night. Three games in six days then ends with a trip to Aston Villa next Saturday.

Top scorer Isak has been managing a groin issue in recent months, first missing the defeat away to Liverpool in February before needing to come off in last week’s 2-1 victory over Brentford after feeling the problem in the pre-match warm-up.

Alexander Isak fitness update

The Sweden international was named in the starting XI for the 3-0 win at Leicester City on Monday and is expected to lead the line versus the Red Devils. Jason Tindall was the one to provide an official update on Isak’s fitness after the Newcastle assistant coach conducted the pre-match press conference with Eddie Howe unwell.

“He’s trained the last couple days. He’s trained, and he feels fine. It’s something that we’ll assess day by day, but we’re expecting him to hopefully be available for the weekend."

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Tindall, however, refused to be drawn on whether Isak has the physical capacity to start three games in six days. As back-up, Newcastle have Callum Wilson and Will Osula, however neither have scored a Premier League goal this campaign.

"Beyond that, we’re not really looking ahead of Man United.” Tindall said. “Our main focus is the Man United game and making sure we deliver our best performance. What happens after that is the time when we’ll reflect and assess each individual player. We’ll make a call after that game going into the Crystal Palace game.”

Jason Tindall issues Anthony Gordon update

Meanwhile, Tindall has suggested Anthony Gordon will be on the bench having missed Newcastle’s last four matches.

The 24-year-old hasn’t featured for the Magpies since receiving a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on March 2. Gordon served a three-match ban against West Ham United, Liverpool and Brentford before missing Leicester win with a badly bruised thigh.

“He's had a decent week with the physios,” Tindall said. “He was back out on grass for a pitch session yesterday [Thursday] so we'll assess him again today to see how he's responded to that session. And then we'll have to make a late call on whether he's available for the bench on Sunday.”

United remain without Joe Willock as he follows concussion protocols for the head injury he sustained against Brentford. It is hoped Sven Botman can return next month, however Jamaal Lascelles and Lewis Hall aren’t expected to play again this season.

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