'Too important': Eddie Howe shares when Alexander Isak decision was made - offers hope of quick return

As the clock struck 7pm on Wednesday night a massive shortage of oxygen around the North East was recorded as thousands of Geordies sucked in huge gasps of air in shock when it was revealed that Alexander Isak was not in the Newcastle United squad to face Liverpool.

There had been no prior hint that Alexander Isak would not be fit to face the champions-elect so when the team news was announced 75 minutes before kick-off and the Swede's name was nowhere to be seen, a mass panic swept the Geordie Nation.

It was soon revealed that Isak was feeling some discomfort in his groin and the decision was taken not to risk him, which was probably the right call given the massive games coming up for Newcastle.

Obviously, Newcastle could have done with their star striker on the pitch last night and never was that more apparent than when Callum Wilson spurned Newcastle's only real chance to score in the first half.

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Eddie Howe made the call to rest Alexander Isak at lunchtime on Wednesday

Speaking to the official website after the game, Howe was asked when the decision was made on Isak, with the gaffer confirming that he wanted to play, hence his travelling to Anfield.

"Around about lunchtime I sat down and had a long conversation with him. Of course, he wanted to play but he was just feeling his groin and wasn't 100% fit so we made the decision not to play him and I think it was the right call. He's too important to lose for any length of time by trying to force him to play. Disappointing to lose him, of course, he's such a stand-out player for us.

"Then it called for a tactical reshuffle, we brought Callum in, obviously, and changed the system. The lads delivered the system really well, very pleased with that. We've got real adaptability now, we've got various ways of playing and it's good to have those cards up our sleeve."

It didn't sound like Alexander Isak would be missing for any long period of time

The fact that Isak was still pushing to play so late in the day does suggest it should be a quick recovery for the striker, but who knows what will happen when James Bunce gets his hands on him.

Really, all that matters right now is that he's fit for the 16th March at Wembley. It would be nice to have him fit for Sunday against Brighton in the FA Cup, but Wilson/Will Osula can probably step in for that.

Eddie Howe spoke of the adaptability and various ways of playing, but it does feel like any attacking impetus is lost when there's a change to the system, and that's something that needs to be worked on before Sunday, for sure. Again ... just have a crack! You never know what will happen.