'Really, really bad' - Alexander Isak & Anthony Gordon concern as Newcastle United issue official injury update
Newcastle United issue injury updates on Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle United are assessing the fitness of four players ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City.
Isak opened the scoring against Brentford on Tuesday evening with his 20th Premier League goal of the season before Bryan Mbeumo equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute.
The Swede was taken off a few moments later after feeling discomfort in his groin. Despite his withdrawal, the Magpies found a winner when Sandro Tonali’s cross-turned-shot caught out Mark Flekken at his near post.
Alexander Isak & Anthony Gordon injury concern
Kieran Trippier also withdrew with cramp in the closing stages. Providing an update on the pair, United boss Eddie Howe said: “I'll wait and see today, really. Of course, I've had medical updates yesterday, but I'll see them for the first time today.
“Hopefully, they're feeling OK. We don't think we've got any big injuries from Wednesday night, but we've certainly got a few niggles.”
“No, I don't think he's been carrying,” Howe added on Isak. “I think it was in the warm-up of the game before Brentford. Just became aware of it, I believe, and sort of carried that through the game.”
Anthony Gordon’s served the final match of his three-game ban on Wednesday night but is a doubt for Monday.
Asked if he had trained yet, Howe said: “No, he hasn't. No, not yet. He's another one that we're monitoring. We think he's still recovering, really, from the really, really bad knock he got for England, which still got a huge bruising on his leg.
“He's done individual training. He's not done group training. He's still not feeling 100% pain-free. So, again, let's wait and see.”
Meanwhile, Howe hopes Joelinton will be fine to feature at the King Power Stadium. The Brazilian’s knee was heavily strapped against Brentford had looked to be struggling before receiving on-field treatment midway through the second half.
Howe said: “We hope so, yeah. He'd be another one in the category that's got a niggle, but knowing Joey, he'll probably say he's fine today and good to train.”
On injuries, Howe added: “Yeah, especially with the number of games we've got in a short period of time. We have, I think, three games in six days. That will be a testing period for us. But, yeah, we've just got to try and manage and navigate this period really sensibly with the players that we do have fit. We need to look after everybody. I think if we can get a good, strong team on the pitch, I think we're good enough.”