Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, has provided an update on Alexander Isak’s injury, confirming the striker missed the recent 2-0 loss to Liverpool due to a groin issue. Despite Isak’s significant impact this season, Howe insists that Newcastle is not overly reliant on the Swedish forward, even though his absence has been felt during their three-match winless run.
Alexander Isak’s Injury Update
Isak, who has been in stellar form with 21 goals this season, was unable to feature in the defeat at Anfield. This was the third Premier League match in which Isak was sidelined, and during these matches, Newcastle managed just one goal— a penalty. It marks over a year since they last won a Premier League game without Isak.
However, Howe has downplayed concerns over Isak’s injury, especially with the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool fast approaching. While Isak remains a doubt for the upcoming FA Cup match against Brighton, Howe is optimistic that the forward will recover soon, and his absence will not be long-term.
Are Newcastle Over-Reliant on Alexander Isak?
When questioned about whether Newcastle’s performance is too reliant on Isak, Howe rejected this claim, emphasizing that the team is not a “one-man team.” He acknowledged that while Isak’s unique qualities— particularly his role as a pivotal center-forward— add immense value to the team, Newcastle has alternative strategies and skill sets that can still lead to success without him.
“We’ve molded our game to suit Alex’s abilities,” Howe explained. “He brings something special to the team, but we have other ways to play and still be competitive.”
The manager also stated that while the team missed Isak in the Liverpool match, there were still positive moments, even though they struggled to create enough chances in the final third.
Callum Wilson and the Future
With Isak absent, Howe started Callum Wilson in the Liverpool match, marking his first Premier League start of the season after dealing with injuries. Howe expressed frustration over not being able to pair Isak and Wilson more often, as their partnership— notably during a 4-1 victory over Burnley last season— looked promising.
However, both strikers have faced fitness challenges, making it difficult for Howe to field them together. Wilson is still recovering his best form, and Isak has his current groin issue to contend with. Howe remains hopeful for a future where both forwards are fully fit and available to play together.
Wilson, whose contract expires this summer, has no current discussions regarding a new deal, leading many to believe he will leave the club. However, Howe remains confident in Wilson’s abilities and backs him to rediscover his form. “Callum is a goalscorer,” Howe said. “He has every motivation to succeed, and I have no doubt he can return to his best.”
Conclusion
Newcastle United faces a challenging period without Isak, but Eddie Howe remains confident that the team can adapt and continue to perform without being overly dependent on their star striker. As Isak works to recover from his injury, Howe’s focus is on ensuring the team remains competitive, with options like Callum Wilson available to step up.
