Eddie Howe Confirms Alexander Isak’s Availability for Newcastle’s Clash with Everton

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has a “solid chance” of being fit for the crucial clash against Everton this Sunday, as per manager Eddie Howe, in the lead-up to their final match of the Premier League season.

With Arsenal nearly certain to secure second place in the league, the race intensifies for the remaining three positions in the top five. Manchester City currently sits on 68 points, trailed closely by Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, all on 66 points, with Nottingham Forest not far behind on 65.

A draw could still suffice for Newcastle, provided other results unfold in their favour.

“Missing out would be incredibly difficult to accept. We understand exactly what we need to achieve and what our aims are. All of our emotions are focused on that,” Howe remarked to the media on Friday.

The 25-year-old Isak, who was sidelined for Newcastle’s recent fixture against Arsenal due to a groin issue, is showing promising signs of recovery and may be in contention for the match against Everton.

Newcastle has struggled in the four league matches Isak has missed this season, failing to find the back of the net in three of those encounters.

“He hasn’t trained with the team yet, but he has made significant progress (training individually) throughout the week. The next couple of days will be crucial for his availability on Sunday. There is a chance he could feature,” said Howe.

“So far, anything he has been asked to do has been completed without pain and he has performed well. Alex still has three years remaining on his contract, and we want him to maintain his goal-scoring form for many years to come with Newcastle.”

Defender Kieran Trippier is also expected to return for the Sunday match after missing the last two league games, although Joelinton is not predicted to return until the pre-season, according to Howe.