Eddie Howe rules Joe Willock out of Manchester United clash and it's not looking good for another big player either

Newcastle United coasted to an easy 3-0 victory against Leicester City on Monday night down at the King Power Stadium, moving another step closer to Champions League qualification.

Rumours had started circulating online on Monday evening that Alexander Isak hadn't travelled with the squad after pulling up with a slight niggle in the win over Brentford last week.

Fortunately for Newcastle, that story clearly just came from some spotty little clout chaser on social media, and Isak was fully fit and ready to go.

Isak didn't play the full 90 minutes with Eddie Howe making plenty of changes as Newcastle were fully in control of the game on Monday night.

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Eddie Howe would not risk Alexander Isak if he weren't 100% fit

Howe confirmed to the media after the game that Isak was 100% fit (h/t NUFC Blog).

“I think he’s 100% fit, I wouldn’t have taken any risks with him tonight if he wasn’t.

“It was an opportunity to rest him with the game in a good position for us. But no, I don’t think we’ll have to manage him from this point onwards, fingers crossed he’ll be fine.”

Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon will miss the Manchester United clash on Sunday

However, it wasn't such good news for Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon, both of whom missed out on last night's game.

“Anthony wasn’t close (to play Leicester). He hasn’t been able to train with us yet. He’s still feeling the effects of that tackle with England. We hope that we may see him soon, but I’ve got no certainty on that.”

“Joe’s concussion means I don’t think he will make the weekend.”

That must have been some bruise Gordon picked up playing for England, mind!

Willock's omission makes sense, though, as concussion protocols will rule him out of the game, it's not a call the club are allowed to make themselves.