'I haven't seen him': Eddie Howe gives injury update on Alexander Isak ahead of FA Cup clash against Brighton

As the only team who could achieve a domestic cup double this season, Newcastle United will be keen to progress beyond Sunday's FA Cup game with Brighton at St James' Park.

Brighton will be Newcastle's first Premier League opposition in this season's competition. Having already tasted defeat at home at the hands of the Seagulls, Eddie Howe is aware of the difficult task ahead.

It would therefore be ideal if the gaffer had a full complement of players to choose from when he makes his call on the starting lineup on Sunday.

Unfortunately, there are a few doubts ahead of the match, most notably, Alexander Isak who withdrew from the squad just hours before Wednesday night's game against Liverpool.

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Eddie Howe says 'if he's fit he will play' when asked about Alexander Isak

Isak was complaining of a groin issue, and while he was pushing to play, the decision was taken to rest him and prevent the risk of a long-term issue. As such, the question was asked of Eddie Howe in his press conference this morning whether Isak would be fit for Sunday, but while Howe hinted at him playing, we're not so convinced.

"We'll see today, I haven't seen him since the game, so we'll see how he is today and have a discussion with him I'm sure. We don't think it's a long term problem.

"In part obviously there was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can't be at this stage of the season.

"There's always a risk with any player - even if they're 100% fit, that's the world that we're in, but we wouldn't take any risks on his long-term fitness. But we'll see how he is today, we'll have a discussion with him. If he's fit, he will play."

We expect Callum Wilson to get the nod on Sunday regardless

We've said that we expect Isak will sit this one out on Sunday and Howe will leave the job to Callum Wilson and/or Will Osula while Craig Hope agreed, and despite what Howe said this morning, we still aren't convinced he'll start the game.

Even if he is declared fit, it might be better to start with Wilson and save Isak for a late cameo in the hopes of grabbing a late goal to see out the tie.

It's strange to think that while we're in the final of the Carabao Cup that the FA Cup might be our best shot at lifting a trophy - there's no Liverpool in our way for that one.