Newcastle United injury latest after Alexander Isak blow and Callum Wilson setback

Eddie Howe faces anxious days ahead as he hopes for positive news on Alexander Isak’s injury with the Carabao Cup final approaching.

The Swedish striker missed Newcastle United’s trip to Anfield after picking up a slight groin issue, but the club opted not to take any risks. While the injury is not expected to be long-term, Newcastle decided to leave him out of the squad as a precaution.

Isak still traveled with the team on Wednesday night, signaling optimism that he could return soon. However, his absence was felt as the Magpies struggled in a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, failing to register a single shot on target.

Adding to Newcastle’s concerns, Callum Wilson also raised some alarm when he headed straight down the tunnel for treatment after being substituted. The striker had clashed heads with Virgil van Dijk but continued playing before eventually being taken off.

While Wilson is expected to be fine, he may require stitches following the incident. His availability for the next few games remains uncertain, but the full extent of his injury will be clearer once Howe provides an update.

Given Newcastle’s current struggles in front of goal, having both Isak and Wilson unavailable for an extended period would be a major setback.

Discussing Isak’s situation, Howe expressed disappointment over his absence but emphasized that the club could not afford to take any chances.

The Swedish international began feeling discomfort after the team’s previous match, and the decision was made to rest him rather than risk aggravating the problem.

While no specific return date has been provided, Howe remains confident that Isak will be available for upcoming fixtures. With the Carabao Cup final fast approaching, Newcastle will be eager to have their top scorer fit and ready for one of the biggest games in the club’s recent history.

Newcastle’s injury list extends beyond Isak and Wilson, with key midfielder Joelinton also facing a race against time to be fit for the Carabao Cup final.

The Brazilian suffered a knee injury during the team’s defeat to Fulham earlier this month, leaving a significant void in Newcastle’s midfield. His physical presence, defensive contributions, and ability to support attacks have been missed, particularly in set-piece situations.

Despite his absence, there remains hope that he will return in time for the final, with a potential comeback date set for early March.

Providing an update on Joelinton, Howe acknowledged the importance of having him available. The midfielder plays a crucial role in both defensive and attacking transitions, and his physicality has been noticeably absent in recent matches.

Newcastle have struggled to replace his presence, and his return would offer a major boost ahead of a pivotal period in the season. While his recovery is progressing well, the club will continue to monitor his condition closely to ensure he does not return too soon.

Another key player working towards a return is Sven Botman, who has been sidelined since Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Arsenal.

The Dutch defender had only recently come back from a long-term injury before picking up another setback. His absence has forced Howe to shuffle his defensive options, and while Newcastle’s backline has managed in his absence, his return would provide much-needed stability.

Howe remains optimistic about Botman’s progress, revealing that the defender is improving quickly and could be in contention soon. However, his availability for the final remains uncertain, as the club continues to assess his fitness.

Newcastle find themselves in a challenging position with several key players on the sidelines. While they remain competitive on multiple fronts, injuries have disrupted their momentum, making upcoming matches even more critical.

The return of Isak, Joelinton, and Botman could significantly strengthen the team as they push for silverware and a strong league finish. Until then, Howe must navigate the squad’s fitness concerns carefully, balancing player recovery with the need for positive results.