Eddie Howe’s Alexander Isak injury update ahead of Newcastle vs Liverpool | Soccer

Alexander Isak has not trained since suffering a ‘hip knock’ against Crystal Palace, but has yet to be ruled out of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.

The Sweden international played just 22 minutes of the 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, replaced by Harvey Barnes after suffering a painful knock.

The 25-year-old is an important player for Howe and an absence during a busy period of the season would be a huge blow for the Magpies boss.

However, while Howe was a little coy about Isak’s availability, he downplayed the severity of the injury.

“He took a hit to the hip and couldn’t continue,” Howe said at a news conference Tuesday about Isak’s condition. “We haven’t seen it in training yet but I don’t think it’s a long-term injury. We’ll wait and see.

“It will be about managing time and pain – and how quickly it sets in.”

Isak himself gave a positive review of his fitness, telling beIN Sports: “I’m fine. It was really painful, a bad blow, but I reacted well.

Dan Burn is also suffering from an ankle problem but continues to play and is expected to be involved against Liverpool.

Howe said of the defender: “Dan came through the game very well, I have to say. When he was suspended, we took the opportunity to try to rest his ankle and get him 100 percent. He had a mixed period during this period where he wasn’t playing because he wasn’t feeling well. He went to see a few specialists, which required really minimal training time.

“I thought he was outstanding all things considered at Crystal Palace.”

Newcastle face a tough test as Premier League leaders, particularly after a disappointing home defeat to West Ham and a draw at Palace which saw the Magpies concede the equalizer in injury time.

However, after encouraging results previously, Howe is confident his side can handle the country’s form.

“I think we’re still confident at home,” he said. “I think whoever the opponent is, we have to be the best we can be and we have to learn from previous matches and find ways to evolve and improve.

“Very recently we beat Chelsea in the cup and Arsenal at home – there is absolutely no reason why we can’t continue that positive momentum.

“We have to see the game as it is. We have to, like I said, nullify their threats. We have to be strong defensively, but we also have to bring our strengths and our strengths are unique to us when we play at home .

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