Eddie Howe has confirmed that two key Newcastle United players have emerged as fitness doubts for Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The Magpies have enjoyed an upturn in form at a crucial stage of the season as they endeavour to secure a top-six finish, accumulating 17 points across their last eight matches.
Their Europa League ambitions remain in the balance, though, after they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend, with Sean Longstaff cancelling out an early opener from Joel Veltman.
Howe’s side are hanging on to sixth place in the top-flight standings, sitting level on points with a resurgent Chelsea outfit in seventh, while Man United sit three points further back in eighth spot.
Newcastle will be keen to return to winning ways in their penultimate Premier League fixture at Old Trafford, but they could be without the presence of two star names for Wednesday’s clash.
Alexander Isak, Callum Wilson both doubtful for Man Utd clash
Howe has confirmed that attacking duo Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson are both doubtful with unspecified issues and at late call will be made on whether they will be fit to feature against the Red Devils.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Howe said: “Alex didn’t train yesterday; we will see if he trains today. He wasn’t feeling 100% I think you could see that. We knew on Friday that he was slightly under the weather.
“We haven’t seen Callum yet, we will see if he is available to train today, if not we will have him for Brentford.”
Isak has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season and is the club’s top scorer with 20 goals in 28 Premier League appearances.
Wilson, meanwhile, has only recently recovered from a pectoral injury, but he has since featured in each of the Magpies last three games, scoring two goals.
Howe hints a potential return for Pope
Meanwhile, Howe has provided a positive update on the fitness of goalkeeper Nick Pope, who has watched on as an unused substitute in Newcastle’s last two games since recovering from a long-term shoulder injury.
Howe has suggested that Pope is closing in on a return and the Magpies boss ‘has a decision to make’ on whether the shot-stopper should return at the expense of Martin Dubravka on Wednesday.
“Nick has come back from a serious injury, a big problem to a big area of the body for a goalkeeper,” said Howe. “He has still been getting his rhythm back from the training work he has been doing.
“I am really pleased with how he’s looked. He has continued to improve through training, every game I have a decision to make and that will be another one.”
Newcastle were boosted by the return of right-back Kieran Trippier against Brighton last weekend, and he could be in contention to start against Man United, but Fabian Schar (hamstring), Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles (both ACL), Joe Willock, Matt Targett (both Achilles) and Lewis Miley (back) all remain in the treatment room.
