Howe announces double injury boost for Newcastle ahead of Sunday, Isak groin latest | OneFootball

Newcastle United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in their Premier League match-up yesterday. The Toons sit in sixth place, three points away from Manchester City in fourth.

The Magpies were outplayed for large portions of the match and could not break down a dominant Liverpool side.

The hosts took the lead 11 minutes into the game when Luis Diaz beat Fabian Schar down the left flank before setting up Dominik Szoboszlai, who angled a left-footed shot past Nick Pope between the Newcastle sticks.

Liverpool doubled their advantage in the second half, with Alexis Mac Allister motoring through the Newcastle midfield before firing beyond Pope.

After the disappointment at Anfield, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is shifting focus to the FA Cup, where they face Brighton & Hove Albion in the fifth round this Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Howe revealed a massive double injury boost, with Sven Botman and Joelinton in contention to return.

“I think they will be there or thereabouts for Sunday,” Howe said (via The Northern Echo). “That would be a massive boost. It is difficult to say because they haven’t trained with the team yet, but fingers crossed.”

Meanwhile, Howe also provided an update on Alexander Isak, who missed the Liverpool clash due to a groin issue. The manager reassured fans that the injury was not a long-term concern.

“It goes without saying how important he (Isak) is to us,” Howe stated. “It was a late decision, around midday today. He just didn’t feel right with his groin, so we didn’t want to take the risk – we’ve got too many big games to come.”

Howe hopes to see Isak heal quickly. Callum Wilson did his best leading the line against Liverpool but looked rusty and lacked cutting edge.

Newcastle supporters will hope for positive updates in the coming days as they look for a much-needed boost against the Seagulls ahead of their EFL Cup final clash with Liverpool.