Eddie Howe has issued a cautiously optimistic injury update on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak ahead of tomorrow night’s Premier League game against Wolves.
The Magpies have been in superb form of late thanks largely to the performances of their talismanic centre forward.
Isak has scored 10 goals in his last nine appearances in all competitions, including the opener in last week’s Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Arsenal.
The 25-year-old missed Sunday’s FA Cup third round win at Bromley but will hope to be back in the starting line-up for the visit of struggling Wolves to St James’ Park.
Sven Botman, the in-form Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock were also absent on Sunday but Howe hopes that trio, along with Isak, will feature.
He said: ‘We’ll have a look at them again today. They were left out with genuine reasons, all different things, but nothing major we hope.
‘So minor problems that we needed to settle down. Fingers crossed they’ll be there or thereabouts.’
Press on the condition of Isak, he added: ‘He’ll be desperate to play of course. I’d love Alex to continue to score.
‘But the most important thing for me is the team is functioning well for him and he’s functioning well for the team.
‘The two go hand in hand. We have looked like scoring goals recently and that’s such a big thing for our confidence levels. Hopefully that continues.’
There was, however, less encouraging news on the fitness of winger Harvey Barnes who has suffered another injury.
‘He’s had a scan,’ confirmed Howe. ‘It’s not too bad but he will miss the upcoming games. We’re looking at around a month.’