Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Alexander Isak is in contention to play against Brighton this weekend.
The Sweden international has been ruled out with a toe injury since the Magpies’ defeat to Fulham on September 21, though a return is now on the horizon for the striker.
Speaking on Isak, Howe said: “Alex has trained and trained well, he trained at the start of this week and looked good. He will be in contention for the weekend. The toe is fully healed."
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Howe has opted to play winger Anthony Gordon as a makeshift striker in recent weeks, with summer signing William Osula not trusted to lead the line for his side at this stage and Callum Wilson ruled out through injury.
Wilson has not made a Premier League appearance so far this season as he has struggling with back and hamstring problems.
Speaking on the condition of the England international, Howe said: “Callum has trained, but we will continue to assess it day-by-day. We need to make sure it is the right time when we re-enter him into the group. When we get him back, we want to get him back for a long time, so it is important we make the right call."
The Newcastle boss was also able to provide a positive injury update on teen sensation Lewis Miley, who has been ruled out for the last seven months. The 18-year-old is recovering from a broken foot, and Howe feels he has hit the ground running since the midfielder returned to training.
The ex-Bournemouth boss said: “He has been back training during the break. He has looked really good, looks like he has not been away. It has been great to see. We will re-introduce him at the right time, he will have some competition, he is coming back into a great environment."
Howe was also able to deliver updates on defensive duo Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman. Trippier is sidelined with a fresh hamstring injury, whilst Botman is recovering from ACL surgery.
On Trippier, Howe said: “Kieran has picked up a hamstring problem. It's probably nothing too serious, but it will keep him out for a few weeks."
The Toon Army boss also revealed that he is hoping that Botman can recover over the Christmas period, having been ruled out since March. Howe concluded: “He’s hitting the right strength markers, he’s looking really good. We probably won’t see him training until after the next international break. He is closing in but it’s a long road. The reality is we’re probably looking more towards Christmas time.”
