'No fears': Journalist now gives positive update after Newcastle United shock last night

Newcastle United went into battle at Anfield last night without their most feared soldier after a last-minute withdrawal.

Just 75 minutes before kick-off, Newcastle fans learned that fearsome striker Alexander Isak would not be in the squad to face Liverpool, sending shockwaves of panic throughout the fanbase.

News started to filter out that the Swedish striker was feeling something in his groin, but there was no indication of severity or when he would be fit.

The fact that he traveled to Anfield did suggest that it was a late call, and indeed Eddie Howe later confirmed that the decision was made at lunchtime on match day.

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Craig Hope is confident Alexander Isak will be fit for Wembley

The fact that Howe also mentioned that Isak was pushing to play also suggested that it may not be an injury that keeps him out for very long and now Craig Hope has confirmed that he believes it's not going to be a big issue.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Hope says he expects Isak to miss Sunday's game against Brighton but he will be fit for the Carabao Cup final.

"One last thing on the final, and it is the question I have been asked several times on social media - will Alexander Isak be fit?

"My information today is that, while there is every chance Isak will sit out Sunday’s visit of Brighton, there are no fears of the groin injury that saw him miss Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at Liverpool being serious.

"Rather, if the tightness is linked to fatigue, the schedule allows for the Swede to have a period of rest before the trip to West Ham a week on Monday.

"So, to answer the above question – yes, Alexander Isak will be OK for the final!"

Hopefully Craig Hope has got his prediction spot on

A pinch of salt is required here still, as that's just Hope's reading of things. Anything could happen between now and then, if Isak is sent for a scan, it could reveal something more sinister.

We've got all of our extremities crossed that this won't be the case, but we'd be naive to take it all on face value, especially given Newcastle's luck.

Ideally, Hope would be spot on and Isak will get a run out against West Ham before stepping out at Wembley. We don't want a cup final to be his first game back.