‘He won’t be back’: Eddie Howe gives huge injury update ahead of massive Everton clash on Sunday
As Newcastle United gear up for their high-stakes Premier League finale against Everton on Sunday, fans are anxiously awaiting a decisive update on the fitness of their talismanic striker, Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward, who has been instrumental in the Magpies’ campaign, was a notable absentee during the recent clash with Arsenal, sidelined due to a groin injury. However, his inclusion in Sweden’s upcoming international squad has sparked renewed optimism among supporters that he could return to lead the line one final time this season.
With Champions League qualification potentially hanging in the balance, Newcastle need every bit of firepower they can muster. Isak, with his sharp movement, clinical finishing, and ability to turn a game in an instant, would be a massive boost for Eddie Howe’s side as they prepare for what is likely to be a tense encounter at Goodison Park.
Another player whose fitness has been under scrutiny is midfielder Joelinton. The Brazilian powerhouse has been sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign due to a persistent knee issue. Although fans held out hope for a miraculous return, manager Eddie Howe delivered a definitive update during his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, as reported by The Chronicle.
Unsurprisingly, the first topic raised by journalists was the injury status of both Isak and Joelinton. Howe offered a mixed bag of updates, providing cautious optimism regarding Isak, while confirming Joelinton will not feature again this season.
“Alex is doing OK,” Howe said. “He hasn’t trained with us yet, but he’s made good progress throughout the week. The next couple of days will be absolutely crucial to his availability on Sunday. There’s a chance.”
Though not the most reassuring news, Howe’s words at least leave the door open for Isak to make a late push for fitness. Given his importance to Newcastle’s attacking threat, the club’s medical team will be working tirelessly to get him ready in time.
The update on Joelinton, however, was far more definitive. Fans had spotted the Brazilian back home in Brazil wearing a knee brace, sparking concerns that his recovery may have hit a snag. Howe confirmed those fears, stating:
“No, he won’t be back. He’s had another injection in his knee, which was always on the cards potentially for him. He’s in a knee brace as protection from that injection. He’s making good progress and we envisage he’ll be back for pre-season with no problems.”
While Joelinton’s absence is a blow, most supporters had already resigned themselves to the likelihood that his season was effectively over. Still, the hope had lingered that he might return for a dramatic final cameo. With that door now closed, attention turns fully to whether Isak can be declared fit in time.
In a slight boost to the squad’s depth, Howe also revealed that veteran right-back Kieran Trippier could be in contention for a return this weekend. The England international has been absent for the past couple of weeks due to injury, but like Isak, he still has a window of opportunity to prove his fitness.
“It’s a similar situation to Alex,” Howe explained. “He hasn’t trained with us yet. He’s had an absence of two, two-and-a-half weeks, but he has a chance in the next couple of days to build up his load and maybe we’ll see him train tomorrow. Let’s wait and see.”
With so much riding on Sunday’s game, the next 48 hours will be pivotal for Howe’s squad. Newcastle fans will be praying that at least one of their key men – preferably both – can pass late fitness tests and give the team a much-needed edge in the battle for a top-four finish.