Eddie Howe is hopeful club record signing Alexander Isak could be available for our training camp in Saudi Arabia next month after a scan on his thigh revealed it had ‘healed.’
The Swede picked up the knock while away on international duty in October, forcing him to miss our last seven league games after a very bright start to his career on Tyneside where he scored two in his first three games.
It was expected that his return would be after the World Cup, and Howe has now confirmed that his recovery is looking positive – meaning he could take part in our two scheduled friendlies against Al-Hilal (December 8th) and Rayo Vallecano (December 17th) during the break.
With Callum Wilson heading to Qatar, news of Isak’s recovery comes at a great time for Newcastle; who face Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup and a league trip to Leicester in the week following the World Cup final.
On Isak’s injury, Howe had this to say when speaking to the press this morning:
“I think he had a scan the other day on his injury, and it looks good. It looks like it’s healed.
“Now the process starts of building him up, making sure that he’s robust enough to come through training.
“I’m not sure he’ll join in with us initially, but we hope, by the time the games start, he’s available for selection.”
Despite securing a Champions League spot going into the break, injuries have seen us solider on without Isak or Saint-Maximin. Here’s hoping they can all stay fit in the comings weeks and find form heading into the new year!
