Eddie Howe has issued an update on the availability of four Newcastle United stars ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Crystal Palace.
The boss is “hopeful” Alexander Isak will be fit to make his first start at St James’ Park after picking up a dead leg in Wednesday’s defeat at Liverpool.
Bruno Guimaraes and Allan Saint-Maximin remain doubts for Saturday but are “close” to returning from hamstring issues that are “not serious”, with Howe’s comments suggesting they have an outside chance for tomorrow but are more likely to return at West Ham next weekend.
As for Callum Wilson, he is “slightly behind” Bruno and ASM in his recovery from a hamstring injury, with no return date suggested for our number nine.
Here’s what Howe had to say on the injury front when asked if Isak will be fit to face Palace:
“I certainly hope so,”
“Bruno (Guimaraes) and Maxi (Allan Saint-Maximin are close (to returning), not serious injuries.
“We will wait and see whether they are fit for this weekend.
“Again, they’re not serious injuries. There is no muscle pull with Allan, it’s more just a bit of swelling We’re hopeful it won’t be too long.
“Whether or not he’ll be available for the next game at this moment I don’t know. But if not the next one, then definitely the one after.
“Callum (Wilson) is slightly behind the other two, I would say.
“The congested schedule (this season, due to the World Cup finals) really does put the bodies of the players under stress and they are probably at the point where they are giving everything.
“You could see it the other day with the two Joes (Joelinton and Joe Willock) and Sean Longstaff.
“The distance that they covered (against Liverpool) at the speed they did, it was incredible.”
