‘Unknown’ – Newcastle United issue scary Alexander Isak update as Howe asked about star’s future

Eddie Howe remains uncertain about whether Alexander Isak will be available to lead Newcastle United’s charge in their crucial clash against Everton next weekend.

Isak was forced to withdraw from the squad after a scan conducted earlier in the day revealed concerns that prevented him from even making the bench at the Emirates Stadium. His absence was felt during Newcastle’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a game where his finishing prowess could have made the difference.

The Swedish striker, who joined the Magpies for a record £63 million, has been pivotal this season. Yet his availability for the upcoming fixture is now in serious doubt.

Speaking shortly after the loss to Arsenal, Howe was candid but cautious in his response about Isak’s fitness, admitting that there is no clear answer at this stage.

He explained that Isak felt fine during training, showing no immediate signs of discomfort. However, following the session, he experienced some stiffness, which prompted the medical staff to conduct a precautionary scan.

That decision proved critical, as the scan results made it clear that Isak wouldn’t be able to participate in the match. Howe acknowledged that a lot will now depend on how the striker responds over the next few days.

The groin issue isn’t new territory for Isak, who has dealt with similar injuries on both sides this season. Howe emphasized that this was the same groin that had troubled him earlier, though the current situation doesn’t appear to require surgical intervention.

When asked whether the recurring injuries might eventually necessitate surgery, Howe was quick to dismiss that possibility. According to him, it’s not a case of something needing to be “mended” but rather an issue that demands close examination.

The focus moving forward will be on strengthening the area and understanding why the groin continues to be a point of concern for the player. The aim is not just short-term recovery but building long-term resilience to prevent recurring problems.

The press conference also took a more speculative turn when Howe was questioned about Isak’s long-term future at Newcastle. An Arsenal-based journalist asked if he could guarantee that the striker would still be at the club next season.

Howe refused to make such promises, not because of doubts about Isak’s commitment, but because he believes it’s unwise to make guarantees about any player’s future. His response was measured, emphasizing that the club’s priority is to retain its top talents.

Newcastle, he said, has ambitions for long-term success, and achieving that requires keeping key players while continuing to strengthen the squad.

Despite the loss at Arsenal and Isak’s noticeable absence, Howe avoided placing blame solely on the missing striker. He praised his team’s performance and insisted that Newcastle’s level of play remained high throughout the match.

In the first half especially, the Magpies looked composed and creative, carving out several chances. Though the finishing touch was missing, Howe didn’t want to speculate too heavily on what Isak might have brought to the table, preferring instead to focus on the positives.

Callum Wilson, who started in Isak’s place, didn’t receive much service, and clear chances were limited. Howe acknowledged that Wilson never had a real opportunity fall to him in the right areas.

However, other players came close—Bruno Guimarães had a strong effort, and Harvey Barnes fired a dangerous shot. Set-pieces also created tension for the Arsenal defense, which suggested Newcastle had enough offensive threat even without their star striker.

Howe believes that the quality of the performance, despite the defeat, offers the squad a psychological lift heading into the final game of the season.

The team proved they could remain competitive against one of the Premier League’s top sides without their top goal-scorer. That confidence could prove vital against Everton, where every point could determine their place in next season’s European competitions.

The bigger concern now lies with how quickly Isak can recover. With just a few days before Newcastle’s final fixture, the club’s medical team will work closely with the striker to monitor progress and assess his readiness.

His presence against Everton could be the edge Newcastle needs in a tight finish to the campaign. Until then, Howe and his team remain hopeful but realistic, focused on preparing every available player to give their all in one last push.