Eddie Howe rubbishes idea that Alexander Isak is 'injury prone' as striker nurses niggling groin issue

Alexander Isak has missed a few games through injury since joining Newcastle United and while it's inconvenient, he's never really suffered a substantial lay-off, rather just the odd game every now and then.

Given the frequency of his absences, which has decreased massively this season, it's not surprising to have some people label him as 'injury prone' but in reality, that's a harsh label to stick on him.

His fellow striker Callum Wilson and left-back Matt Targett are the epitome of 'injury prone' given that they miss more games than they play.

Eddie Howe has even gone as far as to compare himself to Isak to make the point.

Eddie Howe puts to bed the idea that Alexander Isak is injury-prone

Craig Hope asked Eddie Howe whether the idea of Isak being injury-prone is a myth with the gaffer more than happy to put that idea in the bin where it belongs.

"Speaking on my behalf, as a very injury-prone player, if you look at my record, that’s injury-prone!

"Alex certainly isn’t. He’s had issues with a groin problem that tends to rear its head every now and again. It came to the fore just before we played Liverpool (in February) but, with rest, he was fine and good to go and played really well in the cup final last month.

"For whatever reason, it did just resurface before Brentford. It’s a very minor problem that will go away quite quickly.

"He is very professional, I have to say that. He has a physio that he uses in conjunction with the football club who he’ll fly in and fly out, but we certainly back that. We’ve got good relationships with the people that try and look after him.

"Of course, we have our own staff here who he is very close with. It is about building those relationships and that trust, so that he knows we’re doing the right work for him and his body.

"Then, of course, Alex has to be professional in the times when we don’t see him. He has to look after himself and dedicate himself to football. It is the only way he is going to get to the absolute top and maximise his career. There is loads more to come from him, and I believe that with every player. If I didn’t, then I’d be the wrong coach for him.

"There is a myth that, if you train lightly and don’t do too much with them, then everyone will be fit for the Saturday. It’s actually the opposite - you have to work your players and build up their robustness.

"So, when the game comes, they are able to execute what they need to and they can do it with no problems. It’s getting them on the training ground consistently. The players who miss training regularly, they become the problem players.

"Alex has been a regular trainer. He’s been there and done the work and trained very well. That has been reflected in his performances."

It's a pretty simple conclusion to draw

That's quite the response from Eddie, who clearly felt like this was an issue that needed to be spoken about.

As Hope pointed out when posing the question, only Dan Burn and Bruno Guimaraes have started more Premier League games than Isak this season.

It certainly doesn't take Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman to bust that myth.