Eddie Howe has given an update on the fitness of Alexander Isak, Sven Botman and Lewis Hall, with full quotes emerging in the fallout from Sunday’s game at St James’ Park.

Newcastle were without Botman (knee) and Hall (ankle) as the Magpies lost at home to Brighton in the FA Cup, while a dismal three second half minutes saw Isak limp off moments after Anthony Gordon’s idiotic red card.

In addition to the suspended Gordon, Newcastle are yet to find out whether or not they will be without one of their key men in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool…

Full quotes from Howe on Hall, Botman and Isak

Newcastle are waiting nervously for the results on Lewis Hall’s ankle issue after the left-back suffered pain and swelling after our 2-0 defeat to Liverpool last Wednesday – but things sound more promising for Sven Botman and Alexander Isak.

Hall was instrumental in a frantic 11 minutes against Nottingham Forest, in which he was involved in three of our four goals. Three days later, he showed his defensive capabilities in a tough matchup with Mo Salah at Anfield, suffering an ankle injury in the fallout that saw him miss Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton.

“We’re waiting to see,” Howe said of Hall’s injury. “It is an ankle problem that Lewis Hall picked up after the Liverpool game and had some pain towards the end of the game. He didn’t really recover well, he has a bit of swelling there.

“So he had a scan and now he has been to see a specialist. We are awaiting further news.”

Joelinton and Botman were both doubts for the Brighton game after resuming training last Friday. While the Brazilian returned to first-team action, the Dutch defender was not risked – though his return appears to be imminent.

“Sven Botman was close [to being available for the Brighton match] but he did light training on Saturday and didn’t feel 100 percent confident in his body. So, we decided not to risk him.

“We still hope that he can play a part, either in our next game [West Ham away] or the game after [Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool.

“We are desperate to get him back fit because he is such a big player. But we couldn’t take the risk with him if he wasn’t 100 percent fit.”

Newcastle were far from at their best in the second half of the FA Cup fifth round, but Isak was a standout in trying to get our attacking play flowing. The forward was withdrawn in the 86th minute, and should be back in the XI against West Ham United.

“It was just general tiredness with Alex, a little bit of fatigue. He worked incredibly hard for us. I don’t think there is a problem (an injury). I said before the game, if he was fit, he would play. Fingers crossed he is OK”

Hall worry, Botman wait, Isak boost

An extended absence to Hall would be devastating with the 20-year-old one of our most consistent performers this season. Furthermore, the left-back will be disappointed with the timing as he was likely to add another England cap in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad.

Botman should benefit from a full week of training and make his return against West Ham on Monday to prepare him the best we can, but the waiting game endured for the Dutchman to come back is becoming a slight worry.

Thankfully it sounds as though there is nothing to be concerned about on the Isak front, with a week of rest sure to help him alleviate some of the tightness and tiredness and get him firing as we look to avenge our previous defeat against the Hammers ahead of the Wembley trip.