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5 hours ago
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Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is uncertain about the Alexander Isak’s availability for Everton clash after missing a trip to Emirates.
Isak, who has netted 17 league goals this season, was left out of the squad for Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal after complaining of groin discomfort.
The striker had trained normally but reported stiffness post-session, which prompted the medical staff to send him for a precautionary scan on Sunday morning.
Speaking after the loss at the Emirates, Howe revealed the full extent of Isak’s situation, stating, “That’s unknown. I don’t know at this moment in time.” “He only felt pain really after training,”
“He felt fine during training and then just a bit of stiffness, really, so he went for a scan this morning purely as a precaution. But then it became obvious he wasn’t going to be fit to play.”
The injury is a recurrence of an issue Isak faced earlier this campaign.
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“He has had a couple of groin injuries either side, this is one he had earlier in the season, a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.
Isak’s absence has been telling and Newcastle have failed to win any of the four Premier League matches he’s missed, scoring just once, which came against Manchester City.
Magpies are currently third in the table but level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa, Newcastle must beat Everton to secure a Champions League berth.
With Manchester City and Nottingham Forest also close behind, Howe’s side remain under pressure.
Will Alexander Isak undergo surgery?
Eddie Howe has ruled out surgery for Alexander Isak despite the forward’s ongoing groin issues.
“I think he's had a couple of groin issues off either side. I think this is one that he had earlier in the season.
“I don't think this is a surgery issue. I don't think it's something that needs mending. It certainly probably needs looking at as to why he's getting these sort of groin complaints. But yeah, it's definitely not a surgery issue."
“It's probably more of a what's he doing to strengthen that area issue, which we'll of course look at and focus on.
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