Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has delivered an update on the fitness of striker Alexander Isak ahead of Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at St James' Park.
Isak has arguably been the Magpies' standout performer this season and has scored 21 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, including 19 strikes in 24 Premier League outings.
After netting a brace in Newcastle's eventful 4-3 home victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend, Isak was hoping to get the chance to increase his top-flight goal tally to 20 when the Magpies travelled to Anfield to take on leaders Liverpool on Wednesday night.
However, the Sweden international was a notable absentee from Howe's matchday squad and Newcastle took to social media to confirm that their No.14 was left out through "a slight groin problem".
Newcastle suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool without Isak and Howe issued an update at his post-match press conference, saying: "It's really disappointing that we lose Alex, but he's a player we can't take any risks with.
"It became apparent in the day or so after the last game he was feeling something, so he misses out.
© Imago
"It's a big blow because he's been so good for us this season. We don't know at the moment but we don't think it's serious at all. Part of our mind is to keep him for the games we have coming up."
Howe delivers latest Isak injury update
Ahead of Sunday's FA Cup encounter with Brighton, Howe has issued the latest update on Isak's condition, confirming the striker will play if he is fit to do so.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday, Howe said: "I haven't seen [Isak] since the game (against Liverpool). We don't think it is a long-term problem, but there was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can't be at this stage of the season.
"We will see how he is today and have a discussion with him. If he's fit, he'll play."
In the absence of Isak against Liverpool, Callum Wilson made his first Premier League start of the season for Newcastle and lasted for 69 minutes before being withdrawn with a cut close to his eye sustained from a clash of heads with Virgil van Dijk.
© Imago
Will Wilson, Botman, Joelinton be fit to play against Brighton?
Discussing whether Wilson will be fit to feature against Brighton, Howe said: "Callum is OK - he took a cut to his eye, but he will be OK."
Howe has also delivered an update on the fitness of Sven Botman and Joelinton, who have missed the last four and five games respectively with knee injuries.
"Sven and [Joelinton] have a chance (to play against Brighton) - today is big day for him," said the Magpies boss.
"Today we will see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not. Knowing both players, they will be keen to be involved."
One Newcastle player who remains unavailable for selection is defender Jamaal Lascelles who is still recovering from a long-term knee injury that has kept him sidelined for almost 11 months.
Oliver Thomas
