Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe faced the press ahead of welcoming Premier League leaders Liverpool to St James' Park.
The Magpies are looking to snap their two game skid without a win especially following disappointment against Crystal Palace on Saturday which saw them pegged back by a 94th minute equaliser.
It won't be an easy game by any means, Liverpool are hot off the back of wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City but face their own injury woes. Arne Slot has just five defenders at his disposal for Wednesday's fixture and was forced to take Trent Alexander-Arnold off in the win against City as a precaution for the trip to Tyneside.
Following a number of scares on Saturday, Howe has set the record straight regarding squad fitness and injuries.
Alexander Isak was forced off with a knock to his hip in the draw at Selhurst Park. Post match, Howe confirmed it wasn't too serious but in Tuesday's press conference things seem more touch and go.
The hip problem has been something that has plagued Isak for a while, he was once forced off during last seasons Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund because of it.
On Isak's injury, Howe said: "He took a knock to his hip and wasn't able to carry on. We haven't seen him in training yet but I don't think it's a long term injury. We'll wait and see.
"It'll be time and pain management - and how quickly it settles down."
In an interview with beIN Sports, Andy Kerr reported that Isak is fit to play on Wednesday but Howe's recent comments suggest differently.
In the presser, Howe revealed that Newcastle's big man Dan Burn has been playing through an ankle injury. The suspension for the West Ham defeat now looks like a blessing in disguise for the 32-year-old.
On Burn, Howe said: "Dan got through the game (against Palace) really well, I have to say.
"When he got suspended, we used that as a chance to try and rest his ankle and get it 100%. He had a mixed time in that period where he didn't play, as in, it didn't feel right.
"He's been to see a couple of specialists, really minimum training time.
"I thought he was outstanding with all things considered at Crystal Palace."
There was no confirmation on whether Burn would feature against Liverpool, but nothing suggested he wouldn't either.
PL | GD | PTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Liverpool
|
14 | 18 | 35 |
2 |
Chelsea
|
15 | 17 | 31 |
3 |
Arsenal
|
15 | 14 | 29 |
4 |
Manchester City
|
15 | 6 | 27 |
5 |
Nottingham Forest
|
15 | 1 | 25 |
6 |
Aston Villa
|
15 | 0 | 25 |
7 |
Brighton
|
15 | 3 | 24 |
8 |
Bournemouth
|
15 | 3 | 24 |
9 |
Brentford
|
15 | 3 | 23 |
10 |
Fulham
|
15 | 2 | 23 |
11 |
Tottenham Hotspur
|
15 | 12 | 20 |
12 |
Newcastle United
|
15 | -2 | 20 |
13 |
Manchester United
|
15 | 1 | 19 |
14 |
West Ham United
|
15 | -8 | 18 |
15 |
Everton
|
14 | -7 | 14 |
16 |
Leicester
|
15 | -9 | 14 |
17 |
Crystal Palace
|
15 | -6 | 13 |
18 |
Ipswich
|
15 | -13 | 9 |
19 |
Wolves
|
15 | -15 | 9 |
20 |
Southampton
|
15 | -20 | 5 |