Newcastle United training ground photos provide Alexander Isak injury hint vs Everton

The uncertainty surrounding Alexander Isak’s fitness continues to linger ahead of Newcastle United’s crucial final Premier League fixture against Everton.

As the Magpies prepare for a decisive clash at St James’ Park, where victory will secure Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, fans anxiously await confirmation of their star striker’s availability.

Isak, Newcastle’s top scorer, missed the narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal last weekend, sparking concern about whether he’ll recover in time to play a vital role on Sunday.

The Swedish international had travelled with the squad to North London, appearing ready to feature. However, discomfort in his groin while at the team hotel forced a last-minute decision to exclude him from the matchday lineup.

Following his complaint, Isak underwent a precautionary scan that revealed inflammation, putting his availability for the final match of the season into question.

When head coach Eddie Howe was asked about Isak’s condition post-match, he admitted the situation remained unclear. Howe explained that the forward had felt fine during training but began to experience stiffness afterward.

Though the scan results weren’t alarming, the decision to leave him out was made swiftly once it became apparent he wasn’t fit to participate.

Isak’s groin issues are not entirely new. The striker has dealt with similar problems before, notably missing the February fixture against Liverpool for the same reason.

Despite these recurring concerns, Howe dismissed the idea that surgery would be necessary. Instead, he emphasized the importance of strengthening the area to prevent further flare-ups, suggesting a more long-term approach to managing the issue rather than resorting to medical intervention.

The manager remained optimistic but cautious, noting that Isak’s recovery over the coming days would determine whether he could feature against Everton.

On Wednesday, Newcastle’s official media channels released photos from the latest training session at the club’s Benton base, and noticeably absent from those images was Isak.

While that omission doesn’t necessarily confirm anything—after all, players have been left out of training photos before and still made matchday appearances—it does little to ease fans’ concerns.

Sven Botman, for instance, wasn’t seen in photos ahead of the Arsenal game but still started at the Emirates. Nevertheless, when a key player is missing from view in the days leading up to a must-win fixture, it inevitably raises eyebrows.

An update from Howe is expected during his pre-match press conference on Friday, and supporters will be hanging on every word. Isak’s presence could make all the difference in what promises to be a high-stakes affair.

The 24-year-old has proven to be a match-winner since arriving at Tyneside, and his absence would be a significant blow in a game where margins could be tight.

Adding another layer to the narrative is the recent announcement from the Swedish Football Association, which included Isak in the national squad for upcoming friendlies against Hungary and Algeria in early June.

That selection has sparked hope that his groin issue isn’t severe. While it’s still possible that he could be withdrawn from national duty if the injury persists or flares up again, the inclusion is at least an encouraging sign that medical staff believe the problem is manageable in the short term.

For Newcastle, having Isak fit for the Everton game could be the difference between a strong finish to the season and a major missed opportunity.

With Champions League football—and the financial and reputational rewards it brings—on the line, every decision matters.

Isak’s contributions this season have often been the spark that ignites Newcastle’s attack, and his clinical edge in front of goal could be the crucial factor in overcoming an Everton side fighting to end their own campaign on a high note.

As the clock ticks down to kick-off on Sunday, Newcastle supporters remain hopeful. The absence from training images and vague recovery timeline may raise some concerns, but the lack of definitive setbacks keeps optimism alive.

If Isak can recover in time, he’ll undoubtedly be one of the first names on the team sheet. And for Newcastle, his return could not come at a more pivotal moment.