Eddie Howe delivers Alexander Isak injury update as Newcastle face nervous wait ahead of Everton showdown | OneFootball

Isak missed the trip to Arsenal and is a doubt for final-day clash that will decide Champions League qualification

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak is a doubt for their final game of the season against Everton.

Howe’s side are third in the Premier League, but have the same number of points as Chelsea and Aston Villa - who are fourth and fifth respectively.

Manchester City are sixth and a point off Newcastle, although they have a game in hand, while Nottingham Forest are also only one away from the Magpies in seventh.

And asked if Isak will be fit for the Everton game, Howe said: “That is unknown, I don’t know at this moment in time.

“He only felt pain really after training. During training, he felt fine, just a bit of stiffness really.

“So he went for a scan this morning as a precaution, but then it became obvious he wasn’t going to be fit to play. So, I don’t know. A lot will depend on how he reacts in the next few days.

“I think he has had a couple of groin issues, either side, this was one he had earlier in the season.”

Eddie Howe does not expect Alexander Isak to undergo surgery this summer

REUTERS

Isak has had several groin issues this season, but Howe eased fears that he may need surgery in the summer to resolve the issue.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I don’t think it is something that needs mending. It certainly probably needs looking at as to why he is getting those sort of groin complaints.

“But it is definitely not a surgery issue, it is probably more of a what is he doing to strengthen that area issue - which we will, of course, look at and focus on.”

Isak has been heavily linked with a move this summer and Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on signing him.

But Howe has stressed the desire for Newcastle to hold onto the striker during the upcoming transfer window.

“I never make those guarantees about any player and it’s not to do with Alex’s future, but I would be foolish to sit here and do anything like that,” said Howe.

“We want to keep our strongest players. I have said that ever since I have been sat in this seat.

“We have to try and keep our best players and bring in more good players to make us even stronger, because the ambition of the club - and everyone connected with the club - is long-term success and that’s the only way to try and get it.”