Key Newcastle player out of Carabao Cup game – as Howe updates on Tonali and Trippier
Alexander Isak is set to miss Newcastle United’s midweek Carabao Cup match against AFC Wimbledon, and there are already concerns about his availability for next weekend’s Premier League fixture against Everton. The Swedish forward was notably absent from Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, as he continues to struggle with a broken toe he sustained during the team’s recent victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. His injury, while not deemed overly serious, has raised concerns about his short-term fitness and his role in the club’s busy schedule.
Isak’s absence against Manchester City was precautionary, as he had played through the pain last weekend against Fulham, thanks to a painkilling injection administered prior to kickoff. However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, wary of worsening the injury, decided not to risk him against the Premier League champions. Despite his heroic efforts against Fulham, Isak’s ongoing discomfort has sidelined him for the upcoming League Cup third-round tie, and his availability for next weekend’s trip to Goodison Park remains uncertain.
“Isak definitely won’t feature on Tuesday,” Howe confirmed. “We’ll assess him as the week progresses, but there’s a possibility he may also miss the Everton game. With an international break coming up after that, and given that he’s a key player for Sweden, we’ll need to carefully consider how we handle the situation. It’s not a serious injury in terms of long-term damage, but it’s a persistent one that’s preventing him from performing at his peak.”
Howe’s comments underline the delicate balancing act Newcastle faces with managing Isak’s recovery while ensuring he is fit enough for future fixtures, both domestic and international. Although the broken toe is not severe enough to require surgery, the nature of the injury makes it difficult for Isak to play through the pain consistently. Howe and the Newcastle medical staff are mindful of not rushing the 24-year-old back onto the pitch too soon, risking aggravating the injury further.
Isak’s potential absence for the next Premier League game poses a significant challenge for Newcastle, as the striker has been pivotal in their attacking play. His ability to hold up the ball, link up with his teammates, and provide a potent goal-scoring threat has made him one of Newcastle’s most important players since his arrival. Without him, the burden will fall on other attacking players like Callum Wilson to fill the void, especially in crucial fixtures like the one against Everton, where Newcastle will be looking to secure vital points in their push for a top-four finish.
In addition to Isak’s injury concerns, Newcastle are also facing potential fitness issues with two other key players: Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier. Both players were forced off during the second half of the game against Manchester City, raising further questions about the team’s squad depth and ability to cope with multiple competitions.
Tonali, who is still acclimating to the demands of the Premier League after his summer move from AC Milan, left the pitch suffering from cramp, a symptom of his incomplete match fitness. Despite showing flashes of his immense talent during his time on the field, it’s clear that Tonali is still working his way back to full fitness after a disrupted preseason. Howe acknowledged that Tonali’s cramp is a sign that the midfielder is still building up his conditioning and that the club’s medical staff will continue to monitor him closely in the coming days.
“Kieran (Trippier) also had to come off, and we’re hoping his issue is also just cramp rather than something more serious,” Howe added. “Both of those players gave everything they had today, and that’s all I can ask for. You could see the effort they put in – they left nothing out there. That’s what I always tell the players, to give their all, and both Sandro and Kieran did just that. Given their disrupted pre-seasons, it’s understandable that they’re still working towards full match fitness.”
Howe went on to praise both players for their performances, noting that despite their physical limitations, they played key roles in what was a hard-fought match against one of the best teams in Europe. However, the likelihood of either player starting against AFC Wimbledon seems slim, as Howe will likely choose to rest them ahead of the more important Premier League and international fixtures looming on the horizon.
Tonali’s adaptation to English football has been one of the talking points of the season, with many fans and pundits eager to see how the Italian midfielder’s skills translate to the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. So far, he has shown glimpses of his brilliance, but it’s clear that he will need time to fully adjust to the rigors of playing in England. His fitness will be a key factor in determining how quickly he can reach his full potential at Newcastle.
Trippier, meanwhile, has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s defense, with his leadership and experience proving invaluable to the team. His potential absence due to injury would be a significant blow, as he is not only a reliable right-back but also a key figure in Newcastle’s set-piece routines. Howe will be hoping that the issue is minor, as Trippier’s presence on the field is critical to the team’s defensive stability and attacking width.
The strain on Newcastle’s squad is becoming apparent as they navigate a congested fixture list that includes both Premier League and cup commitments. The team’s depth will be tested in the coming weeks, and Howe will need to rely on his squad rotation to manage the physical demands placed on his players. With the international break offering a brief respite, Howe will be hoping to see some of his key players return to full fitness, ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
As Newcastle prepares for the upcoming Carabao Cup match and the Premier League showdown with Everton, Howe’s focus will remain on managing the injuries within his squad. Isak’s situation, in particular, will be one to watch, as the club carefully navigates his recovery with both short-term goals and long-term implications in mind. With the team’s ambitions of competing at the highest level this season, keeping their key players fit and available will be crucial to their success.