Howe, the manager of Newcastle, claims that Isak’s injury is not permanent

Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, is certain that striker Alexander Isak won’t be facing a lengthy absence, but he is not sure if he will be fit for Sunday’s FA Cup last-16 encounter against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Isak missed Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to league leaders Liverpool due to a groin injury. He has 21 goals this season across all competitions and is third in the Premier League top scorers’ list with 19 goals.

Eddie Howe remarked, “I haven’t seen him since the game,” on Isak’s level of fitness. “We’ll check on him today. It’s not a long-term issue, in our opinion. On Wednesday, no risk was taken, and given the stage of the season we are in, that cannot be the case.

“Any player carries some danger, but we wouldn’t jeopardize his long-term health. We’ll check on him today, and if he’s healthy, he’ll play.”

The 25-year-old’s setback occurs at a hectic period that includes a March 16 League Cup final matchup with Liverpool. Howe’s team is fighting for European qualifying for the upcoming season and is now three points behind fourth-place Manchester City in the Premier League, in sixth place.

According to Howe, Isak must play if healthy in order to prevent rust.

“I think with Alex, it is pretty clear for me, if he is fit in any game leading up to the EFL Cup final then he will play and we have to have that mindset with all of our players,” added Howe.

“Players will lose rhythm, therefore you can’t save them. Playing is the finest way for a player to maintain their form and fitness, and we will make an effort to achieve that with each and every one of our players.”

Howe responded, “We recognize Alex’s strengths and his abilities,” when asked if Newcastle is a one-man squad. Although I don’t believe we are a one-man show and I will never put us in that category, Alex has special skills in the crucial middle position that we require and in the center-forward position.

“We can use the skill sets of other players and play in other ways. Our performance against Liverpool was excellent, in my opinion, but we definitely didn’t cause them enough damage around their box.