Newcastle United are assessing the fitness of a few players ahead of tonight’s Premier League clash away to Leicester City.
Alexander Isak started and opened the scoring in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Brentford but was withdrawn in the 66th minute with a groin complaint. Kieran Trippier was also taken off in the latter stages due to a cramp sensation in his groin.
Providing an update on the pair on Friday, United boss Eddie Howe said: “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.”
When pressed further on Isak, Howe said: “No, I don't think he's been carrying. 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.”
Newcastle are also monitoring Joelinton. The Brazilian midfielder’s knee was heavily strapped against Brentford and he needed on-field treatment in the second half before battling on to play the full 90 minutes.
Howe added: "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. So we'd have to manage him and we'd have to look after him and try and navigate the next few days.”
Anthony Gordon didn’t feature against the Bees as he served the final game of his three-match suspension. However, he too has been struggling with an injury picked up in England’s 2-0 win over Albania last month.
“No, he hasn't [trained yet],” Howe said. “No, not yet. He's another one that we're monitoring. We think he's still recovering from the really, really bad knock he got for England, which still got a huge bruising on his leg. So, 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.”
With all that mind, here’s how we’re predicting Newcastle to start at the King Power Stadium:

1. GettyImages-2208177065
Getty Images

2. GK: Nick Pope
Pope conceded a penalty against Brentford but did everything else right. The debate surrounding him and Martin Dubravka feels a long time ago now. | Getty Images

3. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier withdrew late on against Brentford with a cramp sensation in his groin. With five days rest, it is hoped the right-back will recover in time. | Getty Images

4. CB: Fabian Schar
Less than 24 hours after the Brentford win, Newcastle announced that Schar had signed a new one-year contract. | AFP via Getty Images