'He's got a chance': Eddie Howe gives post-match update on Alexander Isak after striker missed game against Arsenal

There couldn't have been a worse time for Newcastle United to lose their star striker than hours before the big showdown with Arsenal in the penultimate game of the season.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened after the 25-year-old complained of a groin issue; the decision was taken to remove Isak from the squad and play Callum Wilson up front.

That change seemed to take all of the venom out of Newcastle's attack, and though there were a few good chances for the Magpies, kept out brilliantly by David Raya, we couldn't help but feel things would have gone differently with our top goalscorer on the pitch.

It's a view that was also shared by Eddie Howe, who said as much in his post-match press conference (via The Shields Gazette).

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Eddie Howe can't say if Alexander Isak will play on Sunday

Now, of course, the big question is whether Isak will be fit to face Everton at St James' Park next week, but Eddie Howe couldn't give a definitive answer on Sunday.

“Yeah, I think it's a difficult one to sort of go too deep into that because the standard of our performance today with him missing was still really, really strong.

“We did create chances. We did look really good in almost every phase in that first half. Yes, the final action, which is he is probably better than anyone or has been this season.

“I think he's been a brilliant finisher for us. But unfortunately, from Callum's viewpoint, none sort of fell to him. It was more, I think Bruno [Guimaraes] had a big one and Harvey [Barnes] had his shot and then, of course, set plays were a big threat for us.

“But it was a really strong performance in his absence. I think that has to be the confidence lift that we need when you review this game.”

"I don't know the answer to that question [Will he be fit for Everton?], it's far too early to make an assessment on whether he will or he won't, I think he's got a chance, I don't know any more than that really.

"Yeah, he had a scan this morning, I think he's had a little bit of stiffness last night, after travelling down, the only thing really, during training, I had the scan, it showed some swelling, so we took him out of the game, and we hope that we get him back next week.”

How about Will Osula up front on Sunday if Isak isn't fit?

We have everything crossed that Isak makes a Sven Botman-esque recovery this week and has enough in him for one more game.

For all Isak hasn't been anywhere near his best lately, Sunday showed that a half-fit Isak is better than a fully fit Wilson.

Would it be too mental to throw Will Osula in from the start on Sunday in his natural position if Isak isn't fit? I know he's unpredictable and raw, but Everton will have a patchwork defence, and the headcase could do some damage.