Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is uncertain if star striker Alexander Isak will be available for their final game of the Premier League season at home to Everton on May 25.
Isak, who has netted 23 league goals so far this season, was left out of the matchday squad for the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on May 18 due to a groin issue.
The striker trained normally, but reported stiffness post-session, which prompted the Magpies medical staff to send him for a precautionary scan.
Speaking after the loss at the Emirates Stadium, Howe revealed the full extent of Isak’s situation, stating, “It’s unknown. I don’t know at this moment in time, he only felt pain really after training,
“He felt fine during training and then just a bit of stiffness, so he went for a scan as a precaution. But then it became obvious he wasn’t going to be fit to play [at Arsenal].”
The injury is a recurrence of an issue Isak faced earlier this campaign and it comes at the worst time for Howe.
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“He’s had a couple of groin injuries either side, this is one he had earlier in the season, a lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.
Isak’s absence has been telling this season, and Newcastle have failed to win any of the four Premier League matches he’s missed, scoring just once, up against Manchester City.
The Magpies are currently third in the table, level on points with Chelsea and Aston Villa, and they must beat Everton to secure a UEFA Champions League qualification berth.
With City and Nottingham Forest close behind, Howe’s side remain under pressure.
Will Alexander Isak undergo surgery?
Howe has ruled out surgery for Isak despite the forward’s ongoing issues.
“I don’t think this is a surgery issue. I don’t think it’s something that needs mending. It certainly needs looking at, as to why he’s getting these sort of groin complaints. But, it’s definitely not a surgery issue.
“It’s probably more of a what’s he doing to strengthen that area issue, which we’ll of course look at and focus on.”
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