Howe to make late decision on Isak before Fulham trip | OneFootball

The Magpies travel to the capital aiming to move into top spot of the English top-flight with a victory against Marco Silva's side, with United also aiming for a fifth consecutive Premier League away win against the Cottagers.

Howe will be hopeful Isak, who was withdrawn at half-time following an eye complaint during Newcastle's 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, will be available to face the West London outfit and discussed his attacking options as well as a vast selection of fit and available midfielders amongst his ranks.

Here are some of the boss' main talking points from Friday morning's pre-match media briefing:

On Isak's availability:

“The ball grazed his eye and we felt, at that time, that was the main reason for him coming off the pitch then we found he had a knock on his foot so he's got a combination of the two.

"We will find out more today and make a decision on him.”

On the injury status of Callum Wilson:

"Callum won't make the (Fulham) game. We're looking with Callum to be the next international break to have him back in full training.

"That leaves Anthony, who did a really good job for us against Wolves, and Will Osula who has done really well since he's been with us.

On Will Osula, who is seeking a competitive debut for the Magpies since arriving from Sheffield United last summer:

"I know he hasn't played any minutes yet but we've been delighted with his progress. He's something we do like. It's a big move for him but he's adapted well to that. He's very mature, comes into work with a big smile on his face everyday, committed to his work.

"We've begun the process of developing his game and smoothing out areas that we feel need developing and, of course, getting him to understand how we play. I've got really high hopes for him.

On Fulham:

“Fulham are a very good team. Marco's produced a team that is full of energy, always trying to play the game in the right way. It is always a difficult game there. There's been tight affairs so no game is easy in the Premier League.

"When you look at our away games against Bournemouth and Wolves, they've been very difficult for us and we expect this to be the same but knowing, from our perspective, we will do everything we can to win.”

On Harvey Barnes, who has recorded three goals and one assist in his five Premier League matches:

“I think he's has got a real coolness in front of goal. It's related to his technical ability and he has this way that he strikes the ball. His positioning is very good and you don’t score the amount of goals he has without getting into the right areas.

"He's got really unique talents. He's a really humble lad who wants to do well and is prepared to work for the team so I am delighted with how he has started the season.”

On Sandro Tonali, who is targeting a first Premier League start since October 2023:

“I think Sandro is in a much better place, the international games really helped him. He’s certainly pushing to start but I want everyone pushing to start.

"He was very good against Wolves; we have really good competition for places in midfield.” On Sean Longstaff, who has netted twice in his last three away clashes against Fulham:

“Sean has been very good since I’ve been here. He’s been brilliant to work with. His general performances have improved, he’s still got areas to work on like every player has, but he’s fundamentally important to us.

"Competition now in midfield is higher than it has ever been and he’s going to be very aware of that. He’s competing with very good players for a starting place."

On his squad’s mentality:

“I see a really motivated team and a motivated squad of players that want to do something really special this year. I've no issues with the mindset of the group.

"The commitment to our training has been very good so far. We're in a much better place than we were in terms of the overall fitness levels."